Being an endling means being the last of your kind. If the endling passes, their species will be considered extinct. It is a frightening but familiar thought, considering the state of our planet. You’ve probably heard of the Thylacine or the Passenger Pigeon, maybe even the Barbary Lion. But what about something more accustomed to the modern household? What if we told you that the next item on the extinction list was none other than a popular pet. Eclectic in the best of ways, Endling finds writer/director Kelly Yu shining the spotlight on the curious case of Earth’s last goldfish, Pao Pao.
Pao Pao, a female and the last of her kind, is kept deep in the basement of the Endling Home of Assisted Living. The rest of her species died out three years ago. If you ask the caretaker, Richard Chen (Dennis Dun), he’ll tell you they died from stress, but he’ll also throw in their awareness of racism and stock prices to further help explain. Pao Pao the ABG (American Born Goldfish) enjoys a special little room with an artificial sky gazer, a cozy bright tank, and a variety of foods, such as shrimp.
Scientists like Bat Zenilman (Ava Capri) come to study Pao Pao in hopes of extracting information that could lead to a potential cure for human genetic disorders. However, the idea of saving the fish or its species remains unexplored. Apparently, they don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. In fact, Zenilman is quick to crack a joke or two at Pao Pao’s expense without a second thought. The Chinese legend we witness during Endling’s opening stands in stark contrast to this. A divine origin from the Jade Emperor seems meaningless to everyone, except for good old Richard. He remained steadfast, always looking for ways to keep Pao Pao company. For him, there is more at stake than just free accommodation and another fish in a tank.
Yu’s short introduction gradually introduces us to the larger picture. Production designer Annie Becker and Director of Photography Gus Bendinelli’s Wes Anderson-like flourishes, certainly proving visually arresting, yet Endling’s playful presentation is a gateway to something much more profound. Ultimately, it’s a contemplation of our own perception of life and how those who succeed us might preserve our memory. The time Richard spends with Pao Pao compels him to consider his legacy. The elderly man finds himself uncertain about his position in the world. It’s a tough spot for a character to be in, and Dun adds a layer of humility to his role by tapping into his sensitive side.
A quirky and thoughtful addition to the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival lineup, Endling will have you falling in love with the surprising, humble lives of Earth’s last goldfish and her caretaker.
