Chris Sullivan’s Consuming Spirits (2012) is an extraordinary, animated feature that delves into the intricate, often dark tapestry of small-town life in America. The filmmaker will be present for a Q&A following the screening!

This hauntingly beautiful film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of three seemingly unconnected characters—Gentian Violet, Earl Gray, and Victor Blue—who are all bound by hidden secrets and a shared past. The story unfolds in the fictional town of Magguson, where these characters navigate the complexities of love, loss, and mental illness, each grappling with their own demons in a world filled with surreal and eerie imagery. 

The narrative structure of Consuming Spirits is as unconventional as its animation style, which blends hand-drawn, stop-motion, and cut-out techniques to create a visual experience that is both nostalgic and unsettling. As the story layers itself through flashbacks and intertwined memories, it reveals the deep scars left by family trauma and the inescapable grip of the past. Sullivan’s meticulous craftsmanship and his ability to weave together such a complex, emotionally resonant story have earned the film widespread acclaim for its innovation and depth. 

Upon its release, Consuming Spirits was celebrated for its raw, unflinching portrayal of the human condition. The film premiered at various film festivals including the Chicago International Film Festival, where it won the Chicago Award. The film was lauded as a masterpiece of independent animation, noted for its unique aesthetic and profound storytelling. Critics praised Sullivan’s work for its emotional intensity and the way it challenged traditional narrative forms, making it a perfect fit for our “Outside the Lines” series. This film epitomizes the series’ mission to showcase groundbreaking, thought-provoking cinema that pushes the boundaries of genre and form.