“Butterfly on a Wheel” is an Oscar-shortlisted movie for “Best Live Action Short Film” that was written and directed by two-time Emmy award-winning composer Trevor Morris in his directorial debut.
The film stars Curran Walters, Brielle Robillard, Michael Provost, Deanna Mae Lloyd, and Kole Parks.
“Butterfly on a Wheel” follows Jacen (Curran Walters), a gifted jazz student with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and anxiety who is living in Toronto, Canada, along with his brother Dylan (Michael Provost).
A chance meeting with a classmate Sorrel (played by a lovely Brielle Robillard) and support from Dylan inspires him to face his fears and find his true self through music.
Curran Walters commands every scene he is in as Jacen, and at the same time, he is not afraid to be raw and vulnerable. Walters captures the psyche and humanity of his character in a controlled performance that runs the gamut.
Walters’ affecting rapport with Robillard allows for more resonance.
Michael Provost provides both comic relief as Dylan (with some funny lines), and at the same time, he is Jacen’s pillar of comfort.
Without giving too much away, Jacen and Dylan share an emotional scene towards the end that really tugs at the heartstrings.
Deanna Mae Lloyd and Kole Parks deliver endearing performances in the powerful flashbacks as the Grandmother and Young Jacen respectively that help elevate the short to a higher level.
Everybody in this cast brings something unique and memorable to this poignant story about finding one’s voice through struggles and challenges. It reinforces the belief that our differences are our superpower.
It is rich in symbolism, motifs (dragons) and analogies, especially if one pays close attention.
“Butterfly on a Wheel” was one of 15 films that were shortlisted for the 2026 “Best Live Action Short Film” Oscar, and the official nominees will be announced on Thursday, January 22nd. Tune in to see if “Butterfly on a Wheel” makes it to the Top 5 final nominees.
Faith Hill remarked about “Butterfly on a Wheel,” “It hit me in the gut — in the best way. It is rare to see neurodivergent characters portrayed with this much honesty and dignity, not reduced to a punchline or an ‘quirky’ trope. The film feels raw, human, and deeply insightful about what it’s actually like to struggle.”
The Verdict
Overall, “Butterfly on a Wheel” is a captivating film that stands out on a creative and sonic standpoint. It is a psychological, musical and artistic triumph, and it will certainly strike a chord with the audience.
The acting performances all around are exceptional and realistic.
Trevor Morris proves to be one master provocateur who is able to balance the serious moments with some levity; moreover, he humanizes these characters and makes them relatable to the everyday person.
Most importantly, Morris handles the sophisticated subject matter on OCD with much delicacy and sentimentalism.
This is a short that is Oscar-worthy, and it needs to be experienced by all. It will sustain the audience’s attention for its entire 36-minute duration. While that may seem long to some people for a short, the time goes by quickly due to its engrossing nature.
It also has the potential to someday become a full-length feature or a mini-series (since viewers will be left caring for these characters, and wanting to learn more about what becomes of them).
“Butterfly on a Wheel” is a revelation, and it garners an A rating. Well done.
