“Bao “: A Short Film About The Empty Nest Syndrome

“Bao” is an animated short film about the children leaving home. This short film, which takes a closer look at the empty nest syndrome, won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2019.

“Bao” is the first Pixar short film directed by a woman. The creator, Domee Shi, captured all the emotions that a mother has when the children are ready to leave home. In addition, she managed to do all this in just three minutes.

Bao is a short film about the empty nest syndrome

“Bao” is about a Chinese-Canadian woman who feels lonely and discouraged. In the beginning of the film, one sees how the woman makes steamed bread rolls for herself and her husband.

But when she tries to take a bite of it, it comes to life and starts crying. From there, she begins to feed and take care of the little bread roll, as if it were her son. Little by little, it begins to grow, and it begins to demand more freedom and autonomy. But the mother is overly protective and will not let him play sports with other children.

As the bread roll becomes a teenager, it begins to become more rebellious and stops spending time with its mother. She feels crushed. But the biggest problem arises when he introduces her to his new girlfriend. He talks about his plans to move in with her, which means he wants to leave the family home.

This overwhelms the woman. During a fit of rage and anxiety, she decides to eat the bread roll, which is her own son. She regrets it immediately and she starts crying inconsolably.

Then you see how upset the woman is while sitting in her room. Her real son, who is a real person, shows up. They become good friends again.

Eventually you see the whole family together – including the son’s girlfriend – where they make bread rolls. The last scene shows how happy the mother is that she has overcome the empty nest syndrome. 

Some thoughts on the animated short film

This wonderful, animated short film allows us to reflect on how important it is for mothers to prepare for their children to fly from the nest at some point. To do this, one must first accept that this day will come at some point.

Keep in mind that children grow up and become adults who need to create their own lives and their own projects and plans. This does not have to be a sad affair. One can see it as another phase of motherhood.

When mothers dedicate so many years to raising their children in the best possible way, there is no doubt that there will be a strong, emotional bond between them. This bond remains forever – even when it’s time for the children to fly from the nest.