Watch Songs for a Sloth

Songs for a Sloth is a 2021 indie film that follows the journey of a struggling musician, Gabriel, played by Richard Hollman, undergoing a severe writer's block. Gabriel recently ended a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Emily, and has since lost his musical inspiration. Striving to find an ultimate source of inspiration and get over the breakup, Gabriel attempts to write songs for the sloth he keeps as a pet.

The sloth, named Melody, played by a real-life living creature named Daisy, is a constant presence of quietude and calmness in the apartment. Gabriel's lazy and low-energy animal opposes his frantic and desperate energy. He turns his writing sessions into a therapeutic process, trying to recapture his passion for music by using Melody's amiable slothfulness as inspiration. He starts to document the sloth's movements, moods, and sounds, making a powerful connection with the slow-moving creature that increasingly becomes his muse.

Throughout the film, Gabriel has moments of reflection and self-discovery initiated by his encounters with different characters. He befriends his neighbor, an elderly man, played by Brian McCarthy, who has been heartbroken for a long time. Gabriel also meets Emily, his ex-girlfriend, in a coincidental encounter, and they share a few conversations that provide some insight into their past and divergent present situations. Finally, Gabriel works with a music school owner, played by Ava Eisenson, who hints to him the importance of empathy to his new songs.

The film's message is mainly centered on the importance of solitude and self-awareness. Gabriel's quest for inspiration takes him into moments of complete seclusion and introspection, where he tries to make sense of his emotions and creativity by embracing his love for Melody. The slow pace and the quiet setting of the film make the tone so somber and contemplative.

The music showcased in the movie is particularly unique and original, contributing to the film's rhythm and the character's personality. In Songs for a Sloth, the music is used not just as a background note but a central theme that underlines Gabriel's passion and profession.

The acting in the movie is remarkable. Richard Hollman delivers a compelling portrayal of a man who is on a quest to rekindle his love for music and has lost touch with emotions. He brilliantly captures the complexity of a character who is trying to find his artistic spark while battling with his personal problems. Brian McCarthy very much compliments Hollman and offers a quiet depth to Gabriel's journey with his man-of-few-words performance. Ava Eisenson plays a critical supporting character that brings some sense of consolation to Gabriel's muddling present.

The cinematography in the movie is well-done, with beautiful shots of the sloth and the city, particularly in some scenes where Gabriel takes the sloth outside for some fresh air. The scenes of solitude are brilliantly shot, with soft lighting, giving the film a melancholy and somber tone. The film's music score is woven into the film and the songwriting process itself, and the score includes intimate, acoustic performances that show Gabriel's talent and passion.

In conclusion, Songs for a Sloth is a heartfelt indie movie that explores the complexities of the human condition through music, reflection, and animal love. It captures the essence of a creative pursuit, the pains, and rewards that come with it, while also showcasing the struggle to find one's muse in the midst of life's chaos. It is a movie that will resound deeply with audiences who have a love for music, creativity, and introspection.

Songs for a Sloth is a 2021 comedy. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.