On the surface, The Burden of Other People’s Thoughts is, like the sum of Don Hertzfeldt’s filmography, an agglomeration of sticks that coexist within copious abstract frames. In truth, the sequel to 2015’s World of Tomorrow (which, following its loss at the 88th Annual Academy Awards, incited a witch-hunt on affiliated voters) is yet another masterstroke pulled by the sharpest, most inspired, director currently working.

“Am I dying? I feel beautiful.”

Paralleling its predecessor, the incorrupt Emily Prime is, once again, whisked away by a third generation clone — albeit, this time, an incomplete backup copy with a mental deterioration. Whereas the original had our characters trekking through space and time, the second installment centralizes the human subconscious and is, rather, an excursion inwards, as opposed to one into the metagalactic space. Nevertheless, keeping true to the inherent politics of follow-ups, the spectacle, as well as the stakes, of Hertzfeldt’s (mostly) computer-generated imagery grows exponentially within this chapter. Each ensuing scene incorporates a new anti-cynical shape, or color. With a modest running time of 23 minutes, Hertzfeldt’s latest is filled to the brim with conviction; proving that he (and all that comes with it) is back with a vengeance. Finally, not only does the film emulate the magic of its precursor, it gives just about every other 2017 release a run for its money.

By Kassandra Karlstrom

When she’s not chowing down on dumplings or sleeping for twelve consecutive hours, eighteen year old Kassandra is most likely marathoning Rick and Morty in the comfort of her own abode in Swedenland. That, or swooning over the works of Don Hertzfeldt whose World of Tomorrow is up to par with her other favorite picture, 12 Angry Men. Follow her @krlstrm.