Disney+ Welcomes Oscar-Shortlisted Animated Short ‘Retirement Plan’ with Domhnall Gleeson as Executive Producer
Disney+ Expands Animation Offerings with Oscar-Shortlisted Short Film
Disney+ has added the animated short film Retirement Plan by John Kelly to its streaming service in the UK and across Europe. The film, which has garnered significant acclaim, features actor Domhnall Gleeson, who also serves as an executive producer.
Retirement Plan premiered at the Galway Film Festival and quickly gained recognition, winning both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award in the Animated Short Competition at SXSW, as well as the Best of the Festival Award at Palm Springs International ShortFest.
The film presents a gently comic narrative following Ray, voiced by Gleeson, as he navigates the challenges of midlife and contemplates his dreams for retirement. Ray envisions himself engaging in various activities—writing poetry, exploring adventure sports, growing vegetables, and delivering heartfelt parting words to his loved ones. However, a sobering reality check occurs when he reflects on not having a pension, yet he remains hopeful for a fulfilling retirement.
Dublin-based filmmaker Kelly co-wrote the short with New York writer Tara Lawall. Kelly expressed surprise at the film’s connection with audiences: “We weren’t thinking about a wider audience when making this film; we just wanted to tell a personal, slightly esoteric story that made us laugh, think, and feel a bit wobbly. To see it connect with so many people, and now reach the Oscar shortlist, is unimaginable.”
Retirement Plan is produced by Andrew Freedman and Julie Murnaghan. The film is among 15 titles shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, which recognizes works under 40 minutes.
