How We Hamsters Die - Film Review

One of the most original and brilliant short films we’ve seen lately, How We Hamsters Die is a wildly inventive 2D animated comedy that turns tragedy into laughter. Created by Phoebe Burdick and Mio Gribskov as a student project at San Jose State University’s Animation & Illustration Program, the film transports us to the afterlife of hamsters, where these small and fluffy narrators hilariously recount the absurd ways they met their end.

From Cocoa Fluff, who mistook a purple crayon for a carrot, to the hamster who was sucked into a vacuum cleaner, each story is delivered with comic precision. The film builds momentum as one hamster after another shares their fate, until “Chicken Nugget” arrives in hamster heaven with a completely unexpected tale that flips the narrative in a surprising way.

The creativity here is boundless - unique, colorful, and perfectly executed. The animation style amplifies the humor while retaining a sharp, documentary-style structure that feels both playful and precise. Adding to the madness is the original score and sound design, which heighten the absurdity and make every story even funnier.

Beyond the laughs, How We Hamsters Die carries an important undertone: reminding us of the responsibility that comes with pet ownership. By weaving together real-life anecdotes with a sharp comedic lens, the filmmakers deliver a short that is not only entertaining but meaningful.

The result is a short that bursts with imagination and humor, reminding us that even the tiniest pets can leave the biggest impression.