Rediscover ’80s Fantasy Magic in Hilarious Short Film: Watch The Traveler & The Troll Now!

by

The 1980s fantasy movie genre stands out uniquely. Titles like “Labyrinth,” “The NeverEnding Story,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “Willow” evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and fondness when mentioned. These films have a distinct flavor, a magical quality that emerges from the intricate details of their creation, resulting in captivating worlds on screen. They combine a particular brand of dark humor with high stakes, keeping viewers engaged and amused. Furthermore, they evoke a desire to embark on an adventure as soon as you finish watching them. It’s not often that contemporary films manage to replicate this experience, but the short film “The Traveler & The Troll” seems to have achieved it, blending the essence of ’80s fantasy with modern elements.

The conceit for The Traveler & The Troll immediately pulls you in. It shares:

A Weary Wanderer Pauses for Respite in an Opening of a Spooky, Long-Abandoned Woodland. It doesn’t take long before they realize they’re not the only one there and have unwittingly entered the hideout of a formidable troll, who threatens to block their path unless they present offerings.

In a situation where there were no coins or treasures at hand, the Wanderer had to solve three puzzles posed by the Troll in order to endure the night and escape the forest with their spirit unscathed. To the Troll’s astonishment, the Wanderer turned out to be a formidable opponent, far more challenging than the Troll ever imagined.

As a movie critic, let me tell you this: The Traveler & The Troll is far more enchanting than any tale you might imagine. In just nine captivating minutes, it weaves its spellbinding charm upon you like a masterful illusionist. This short film takes you on a journey to an immersive, believable yet fantastical world where the troll and traveler come alive. But make no mistake, these characters are more than they seem – they are complex, layered, and utterly compelling. The short is a delightful blend of suspense, humor, and emotion that leaves you in awe.

The dialogue between the characters is sharp and clever, showcasing quick wit and banter. Erika Ishii delivers a powerful performance as our fantasy hero, embodying the gravitas we crave in such a short piece. This is truly a must-watch for any fan of captivating storytelling and exceptional acting.

Beyond doubt, the Troll puppet is a breathtaking masterpiece. This puppet, in particular, the Troll, stands out as a remarkable creation that matches the quality of characters seen in major Hollywood productions. Our admiration for it is immense, and we can’t imagine our world without its presence. A round of applause goes to Dave Child for breathing life into such an engaging and multidimensional character.

Above all, “The Traveler & The Troll” is brimming with life and emotion. Many films today seem devoid of character, being overly glossy, overly polished, overly mass-produced, and technology-reliant. However, technology cannot replicate what human touch can create. It cannot instill the passion and love that a person can. This was paramount for director and writer Adam Murray, who emphasized:

*The Traveler & The Troll* is rich with character and emotion, unlike many films today which are overly polished, mass-produced, and technology-reliant. Human touch cannot be replicated by technology, and it is this emotional depth that director Adam Murray aimed to achieve.

I’ve always found myself attracted to the use of traditional, hands-on effects in movies. From creatures and squibs, to matte paintings, miniatures, and in-camera illusions, I’m captivated by visuals that feel authentic and genuine. With the rise of AI and its increasing reliance on generative technology, I wanted to create a film where human artists could showcase their skills, crafting a practical universe with a sense of reality and a nod to the days when films were more about human touch than algorithm-generated art.

For ages, I’ve been captivated by fantasy tales, and one of the best aspects when creating within this genre is the freedom to shape the world as you wish, with no strict guidelines. Collaborating with other artists and craftspeople on designing the landscapes, props, sets, even the troll himself was an immensely rewarding experience. I sincerely hope the audience experiences the same sense of joy and inspiration that we felt during the creative process.

I also love puppets. Who doesn’t love puppets?

I’ve experienced a profound sense of life, creativity, and camaraderie with fellow artists in our collaborative endeavor, “The Traveler & The Troll.” And it’s been worth every moment. Our short premiered at the Overlook Film Fest in New Orleans in April and took home the Audience Award in the short film category. It also bagged the Best Film award at Warped Witch Festival. Beyond that, “The Traveler & The Troll” was screened at Chattanooga Film Festival and at Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of North America’s largest short film festivals. That run feels pretty incredible.

Where Can You Watch The Traveler & The Troll?

Without a doubt, I’m sure this information has piqued your curiosity: “Where can I view ‘The Traveler & The Troll’?” At present, ‘The Traveler & The Troll’ is primarily being showcased at various film festivals. Notably, it will soon be screened at the Fantasia Festival, a significant genre film festival in North America. You won’t want to miss it on July 21st. Trust us, it’s worth it!

In this context, allow me to clarify my affiliation: I work for Legendary Digital Networks, with TopMob being one of its subsidiaries.

Read More

2025-07-11 18:04