The Toe Tactic

2008. USA. Directed by Emily Hubley. Mona Peek is a young woman engulfed by loss. Her father has passed away, her wallet disappears, and those around her are on their own. Through the nimble creativity of animator Emily Hubley, we discover a layered world of live action and illustrated images. Mona's life, her grieving and searching, and the lives of those in her neighborhood are manipulated by four capricious dogs playing a game of cards. Winsome newcomer Lily Rabe, joined by the voices of Eli Wallach, Marian Seldes, Andrea Martin, and Mary Kay Place, melds with the animated forms that push, pull, and caress the film's flesh-and-blood cohabitants through a journey of renewal. The unique kinetic flow of Hubley's remarkable feature debut is enhanced by the music of the equally innovative band, Yo La Tengo. 85 min.