Lily
2025 · 10m · USA
Directed by Kate Siegel
Genres: animation, family, horror
Tones: dark, theatrical, whimsical
Third-grader Robert is humiliated in class by his sadistic teacher for needing the bathroom. When he finally reaches the restroom, he discovers a tiger named Lily lurking inside. After fleeing, his dismissive teacher enters the bathroom alone — with dire implied consequences. The film leaves viewers questioning whether the tiger is real or a manifestation of a child's powerlessness against authoritarian cruelty.
Picked by Margot
The scouts
Stephen King's first animated original made in 21 days for a YouTube children's anthology, narrated by Kate Siegel in bedtime cadence — the King-and-Siegel pedigree is real, but a private video link and the rushed production suggest a brand exercise as much as a film. Curious, skeptical.
Stephen King's first original animated screenplay, narrated by Kate Siegel in bedtime-story cadence and made in 21 days, is a fascinating provenance with an industry pedigree to match. Private-video status is the access concern; the auspices are otherwise impeccable.
Stephen King's first original animated screenplay (adapted from his own 1968 short story), with Kate Siegel directing and narrating all characters in bedtime-story cadence — that's two strong authorial voices with form-specific authority. The 21-day production turnaround for the Dark Corners YouTube anthology is the constraint, but the package is rich.
Reviews
The hand-drawn animation makes Lily feel like it was pulled from a time capsule unblemished, and also makes it reminiscent of children's picture books.
Absolutely loved the animation. The story is really fun. Scratchy, Edward Gorey-esque pencil art.
Charming, likeable and animated in a beautifully simplistic and fitting way.
Stunning visuals and lessons in compassion — an excellent Halloween animated short.
Festivals
- Tribeca Festival 2025