In the Dark

Once there was a boy who was afraid of the dark. One day, while playing on an abandoned factory's roof, he let a valuable belonging fall through a gap between the tiles. Going into the factory means facing his phobia and, inside, a beast's gaze awaits.

Directed by Jerónimo Rocha, In the Dark leans on a strong ensemble — Tiago Xavier, José Pinto, Artur Agostinho — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about animation titles of 2009.