Some viewers of Grzegorz Jonkajtys’s work may consider his films to somewhat pessimistic about the world, but I view them as a refreshing state of animation where we can reflect upon our own humanity for once. Not all animation has to have dancing penguins and talking teapots to be considered watchable. Most times animation can be used to reflect humanity as a whole. That’s what “Ark” essentially is. While it’s another post-apocalyptic tale, it’s also a meaningful one about one man’s struggle to stave off a disease that’s consuming his very essence.
The humanity around him is depicted in twisted often depraved ways with the individual we focus on often donning pointy ears and deep eyes while those around him are alien-like in nature. But there is a reason for this as we come to learn later on. Now that humanity has been overrun by a mysterious virus, the remaining survivors have built arks to help store humans and find another land where they can seek safety and redemption.
But like the twisted corridors of the ark where human suffering is not visible, our main character is one who is quietly wasting away in his private space as the disease overruns his mind forcing him to consider suicide once and for all. The final scenes are stark and heartbreaking but in the typical style of director Jonkajtys who apparently never created a sad ending he didn’t like. “Ark” possesses some unique and truly memorable animated work and the metaphor behind this apocalypse is innovative. With a provocative finale that will leave many audiences dissecting the story, “Ark” is yet another bleak and brutally depressing look at the end of humanity and the all consuming virus that plagues many.