Stillwater

Stillwater is an enchanting animation series exclusive to Apple TV+ that first premiered in 2020. A truly heartwarming and philosophical offering, this show beautifully dishes out life lessons, encapsulating it in a visually distinctive form of animation that is sure to delight both children and adults.

The show is an adaptation of the "Zen Shorts" series written by Jon J Muth. The basic premise revolves around three siblings – Karl, Addy, and Michael – who live next door to a giant panda named Stillwater. But Stillwater isn't just an average panda; he is a wise and engaging adviser who aids the children in understanding and navigating the world by sharing his wisdom drawn from Eastern philosophies. Each episode embodies a different life lesson or moral that is subtly taught through simple, yet deep conversations or stories narrated by Stillwater.

The show begins by delving into the lives of the three immensely relatable siblings, each of them having distinctive personalities representative of different childhood traits. Karl, the youngest, is enthusiastic but can sometimes be impulsive; Addy, the middle child and the only girl, is deeply empathetic and artistic; whereas Michael, the oldest, is a perfectionist who often succumbs to overthinking. Each one of them encounters various dilemmas and struggles according to their age and personality. The dilemmas range from typical childhood problems such as fear, jealousy, overthinking, and understanding impermanence, to much more complex emotions that even adults grapple with.

Enter Stillwater, their wise panda neighbor, a figure of tranquillity and wisdom with an enigmatic aura. He lends a patient ear to the kids' problems and, instead of providing direct solutions, he encourages them to see things from a different perspective, thereby helping them solve their dilemmas independently. The charm–and the crux–of the show, is how Stillwater imparts these life lessons wrapped inside Zen-inspired stories rich with metaphors and layers of meaning.

The show's rays of wisdom are delivered under an eyeful animation that is worth a watch in its own right. The art style reflects the tone of the show – charming and warming. Character designs are distinctively simple yet expressive, backgrounds are soft edged and radiate warmth, and the overall atmosphere is calm, peaceful and inviting; similar to a gentle lull of a lullaby. The animation take a leap during Stillwater's storytelling sessions. Transformed into traditional Japanese art form, the animation is seamlessly elevated to stunning paint-showcasing sequences that aesthetically complement the narrative.

What sets Stillwater apart is the show's tranquillity that makes each episode feel like a meditative session. The series is not hurried in its storytelling, taking the time instead to marinate in its conversations and scenarios for viewers to sincerely absorb the underlying messages. The approach is minimalist, with verbal exchanges beautifully expressive, yet sparse.

The blend of soft humor and burgeoning emotions accompanying the touching narratives also add to Stillwater’s overall appeal. The characters – particularly the children – are lovable and relatable, each reflecting nuanced growth as they navigate their way through various life experiences under Stillwater's gentle guidance. The dialogues are beautifully written, delivering hard-hitting truths in the softest ways possible.

Stillwater doesn't shy away from exploring challenging emotions, such as sadness and despair. Yet, it does this with gentle ease, eventually leading to catharsis. The entire show is laced with a calming soundtrack, subtly embracing elements of oriental music to further enhance the serene, Zen-like atmosphere.

Stillwater is a slow, gentle walk through life's complexities, offering both guidance and consolation. It flutters between reality and philosophical metaphors and weaves an emotional journey filled with self-realization, understanding, and growth. It transcends the stereotype of a children’s series, offering a meaningful watch for adults too, making it a unique family show that could provoke conversations about emotional intelligence and mindfulness.

On the whole, Stillwater promises a watch that is profound yet soothing, engaging yet calm, indicating the creators’ understanding of the delicateness required to deliver deep conversations and lessons that children can relate to and learn from. This series offers a beautiful blend of life lessons, effective storytelling, magical animation, and an overall calming experience that is as enriching as it is entertaining.