Rob Munday

As children, we experience the world from a uniquely different perspective – not only because of our physical size, but because our understanding of the world has yet to be shaped by past experiences. As adults, it can be difficult to recapture that viewpoint. Thankfully, films like See Me, from filmmakers Patty Stenger and Yvonne Kroese, offer a vivid reminder of what it feels like to navigate the world through a child’s eyes.

The story of a young child starved of attention at an adult party, See Me is brought to life through a distinctive collage animation approach that Stenger describes as “rough, not slick.” On the surface, everything initially appears playful and harmless, but by restricting viewers to the child’s perspective, the film transforms ordinary situations into moments of anxiety and uncertainty. A crowd of adult legs becomes an intimidating forest filled with potential dangers, while even a seemingly friendly dog can suddenly become a source of distress. Through these imaginative visual transformations, See Me captures how childhood can be a constant negotiation between wonder and fear.

What makes the film particularly effective though is the way it links these moments of imagination to a deeper emotional need. Our young protagonist is not searching for adventure here, but just for a little attention. When she finally receives her mother’s focus, the moment is brief and fleeting before she is returned to the floor, back at her knee-high vantage point. The film’s closing image closely mirrors its opening, suggesting a cycle destined to repeat itself. As a result, See Me can be read in multiple ways: as a charming recreation of childhood perception, or as a subtle reflection on the importance of making children feel seen and heard. Much like its protagonist, the film asks for our attention – and rewards it with a perspective we may have forgotten.