João Gonzalez’s Ice Merchants is a lovely work of short animation, filled with intricate illustrations and beautiful designs. The use of repetition throughout the film is so effective as it sets up for the film’s poignant conclusion. While grief is at the core of this short, it exists in the background as an ever-present emotion, revealing itself in small moments that build slowly to the film’s emotional finale. This is a gorgeous little film that takes you by surprise, that you can’t help but love the more you consider it – from the simple way movement is captured to the film’s heart and soul.