“Not Today” — The Soul of a Dreaming Machine
There’s something profoundly moving about watching a robot dream. In Not Today, the new animated short by Juan Paulín Lara, that question — can a robot have big dreams? — becomes not just the premise, but the emotional heartbeat of the film.
At barely over four minutes long, this Mexican animation manages to deliver a complete and deeply personal experience. Entirely created, directed, animated, and scored by Lara himself, Not Today feels like the product of one mind, one hand, and one soul. It’s the kind of independent work that reminds us of the emotional power of animation when vision and craft align perfectly.
The first thing that stands out is the visual style. The robot design is beautiful — slightly imperfect, almost fragile, yet full of character. The thick, painterly brushstrokes that define its metallic body give the impression of something handcrafted, tactile, and alive. It’s rare to see digital animation that still feels so organic. Lara understands how to mix technique with heart.
The animation principles are all there — anticipation, follow-through, timing, and expression. You can feel that every movement has purpose and weight. Even in its simplicity, the animation breathes. The director clearly knows his craft, using each frame to reveal personality rather than just motion.
This isn’t a flashy piece. It’s delicate, subtle, and deeply intentional. Lara stretches the anticipation in the right places, allowing viewers to sense the robot’s hesitation, curiosity, and wonder. The result is a piece that feels almost like a silent conversation between the artist and his creation.
The music — also composed by Juan Paulín Lara — perfectly complements the imagery. It’s emotional but restrained, carrying just enough warmth to humanize the mechanical world we’re witnessing. The sound effects, from mechanical hums to environmental cues, are finely balanced and never overdone. They serve the rhythm of the piece, enhancing the visual storytelling rather than competing with it.
The soundscape also reinforces one of the short’s unspoken messages — that emotion can come from design, rhythm, and silence just as much as from atmosphere. Lara uses these tools to perfection, proving that animation can speak volumes without saying a single word.
Without revealing too much, Not Today follows a small robot’s arrival on Earth — and what happens next is both touching and unexpected. There’s a sense of innocence and melancholy that runs through the film, leading to an ending that’s both uplifting and quietly reflective. It’s a short that doesn’t just show what the robot does, but what it feels — and in doing so, it asks what it really means to dream.
It’s easy to see how Lara’s work has been recognized across the world, from Mexico to Argentina, from the Morelia International Film Festival to the Cineglobe Film Festival at CERN. His artistry isn’t just technical; it’s emotional. The consistency of his creative voice — visible across his animation, music, and art direction — marks him as one of Latin America’s most distinctive emerging talents in animated storytelling.
Not Today is proof that animation doesn’t need to be long or expensive to leave a mark. With just $500 and limitless imagination, Juan Paulín Lara created a film that feels alive — one that captures the vulnerability of machines and the humanity of dreams.
It’s short, simple, and pure. The animation world needs more voices like Lara’s: artists who understand that sincerity can be as powerful as spectacle.
Film Credits
Director / Writer / Producer / Animator / Composer / Art Director: Juan Paulín Lara
Runtime: 4m 10s | Genre: Animation / Sci-Fi / Drama | Country: Mexico | Language: English
Disclaimer:
All images and materials referenced belong exclusively to the filmmakers, producers, and copyright holders of “Not Today.” This review represents the personal opinion and professional analysis of Darwin Reina, and is intended solely for critical and journalistic purposes.
Film Review: Not Today By Darwin Reina
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