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Cardboard is a dramatic, fantasy film released in 2013, written and directed by the Spanish director, actor, and screenwriter, Ignacio Ferreras. The film tells the story of a young boy named Mateo, who lives alone with his mother, Laura, in a small apartment in a big city. Mateo is a very imaginative kid who is fond of creating too many stories to escape from his harsh reality.

Mateo's mother Laura is diagnosed with a terminal illness, and Mateo struggles to cope with the harsh and somber realities of the situation. His mother, desperate to offer her son some comfort in her final months, begins to create elaborate, imaginary worlds out of cardboard boxes for him to play in. Mateo is hesitant to accept his mother's creations at first and resents anything that takes him further away from the reality he wants to confront. However, after a series of events, Mateo learns to appreciate the worlds his mother has created for him.

The film's plot is set in a world where things are not as they seem, and Mateo slowly discovers that his mother's cardboard creations hold a magical power that allows him to travel to different fantasy worlds. The cardboard worlds that Mateo enters throughout the movie are well-crafted, consist of exceptionally detailed physical construction, and stunning animation.

As the story unfolds, Mateo's imagination and connection to his mother grow as they journey through the cardboard worlds together. The cardboard creations not only offer an escape from daily life but become more and more important as the film progresses. They are no longer merely an imaginary world to explore, but a physical representation of Mateo's inner world that he can no longer ignore.

The film tackles issues of imagination, grief, family, and acceptance through the lens of a young child. It is heart-warming to witness the deep and loving relationship between Mateo and his mother and see their imaginary worlds come to life on the screen. Ferreras is successful in creating a world that is both magical and tangible, something that both children and adults can appreciate.

In addition to Mateo and Laura's emotional journey, Cardboard also explores themes of friendship and self-discovery through the other characters that Mateo encounters in the cardboard worlds. Anton, a young boy who appears out of nowhere, befriends and assists Mateo in his travels. The two of them embark on a journey throughout different realms while Anton helps Mateo understand the magical power of his mother's cardboard creations. Further, they encounter the old and wise Nicolás, a character filled with wisdom and mystery. Finally, they meet the lively and energetic Percy, who becomes a good friend to Mateo when he needs it.

The characters in the movie offer their own meaning to the story, and they complement the plot and theme of the movie well. The cinematography and artwork are beautiful, with the dreamy, magical essence of the cardboard worlds captured through vivid colors and stunning animation.

In conclusion, Cardboard is an entertaining movie that explores complex themes through a child's eye. It shows how a young boy learns to come to terms with his mother's illness and finds comfort in an imaginary world. Ferreras succeeds in bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the screen while dealing with heavy topics such as trauma and loss. Cardboard is a heartwarming and poignant film that is easy to recommend to those who want a touch of whimsy to their day.

Cardboard is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.