[Nightmarish Detour Review] US AGAIN - Nightmarish Conjurings

Pixar is known for its shorts – running less than 10 minutes each and often wordless, the films have become just as famous as the features they open for, and even more prevalent since Disney+’s debut. US AGAIN, which was shown in theaters before Raya and the Last Dragon and is now streaming on Disney+, is no stranger to Pixar’s classic combination of gorgeous art and a heart-touching story.

US AGAIN opens in the city, with inhabitants dancing and celebrating everywhere you look. Save for one – cut to Art, a grumpy old man who absolutely does not want to join the celebration or even go outside. Despite his wife Dot’s encouragement, Art is unmoved and reclusive.

The story really kicks in once Art steps out onto the balcony – with a bit of rain, he is transformed back into his younger self. Full of energy and life again, Art dances through the city with Dot, both returned to the couple they once were.

While Pixar is never one to shy away from magic, it always includes a double-edged sword – you get what you want, but there’s a lesson you have to learn, too. When the rain fades and Art and Dot return to their old bodies, Art is despondent, chasing after what he knows is gone. The rain is out of reach and the brief happiness he had has disappeared.

That is, his youth is gone. Dot is still here, just like she always was. It’s at this point that Art finally realizes that the rain allowed him to see what he wasn’t appreciating, and he returns to Dot, both of them full of life with the dance moves to match. They are themselves again, the titular “us.”

Between the vibrant animation and beautiful choreography, US AGAIN is a testament to appreciating the past, but not being defined by it. In true Pixar fashion, it’ll make you take a minute (or seven) to stop and appreciate the present.

US AGAIN is now streaming on Disney+.