Paper Trail — Review (Spoilers)

I believe Don Hertzfeldt’s short film Paper Trail is best experienced without any prior knowledge of what it’s about. Unfortunately, that also means I can’t really write about it without revealing too much. So, if you haven’t seen the film yet, please stop reading this and go watch it. However, if you don’t trust me and aren’t concerned about spoilers, then by all means, continue reading.

Watching Paper Trail feels like experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, one that begins with curiosity and confusion. As blobs of color plop onto the screen and squiggly lines dance across it, you may find yourself wondering, “What exactly am I watching?” But once the realization sets in, that confusion dissipates and there’s an indescribable feeling that washes over you as Hertzfeldt’s intentions become clear.

As the squiggly lines gradually transform into doodles, it becomes evident that we’re watching a child learn and grow. We see him learning to write and spell as elementary school assignments flood the screen. There’s something deeply heartwarming about witnessing that transformation. His development feels universal, making the film’s opening moments resonate in a way that invites viewers to reflect on their own childhoods.