Let's talk about our experience watching Pokemon Concierge, the delightful stop-motion animated series by the Dwarf studio, absolutely adorable... but too short!
Back in 2019, when Netflix announced the production of a stop-motion animated series featuring the adorable Sanrio mascot, Rilakkuma, we absolutely loved the idea, to the point where we still talk about it regularly today. Completely charmed by this adorable little series consisting of 13 short episodes, we eagerly awaited the announcement of a new production from the Dwarf studio last February. Just imagine: this time, the small animation studio was tackling Pokemon, the iconic franchise from the late 20th century that shaped the imaginations of many kids born in the 90s.
Thus, with the series Pokemon Concierge, or "La Réceptionniste Pokemon," the studio made its return to the catalog of the American streaming giant. Snuggled up warmly in our blankets on December 28th, we watched the four tiny episodes that were available. But wait... four?! Yes indeed. While Rilakkuma and Kaoru offered a storyline that was admittedly simple but still kept the viewer engaged over about ten episodes, Pokemon Concierge was a bit less generous, with an ultra-short format that sadly didn't allow us to fully enjoy the experience.
Haru is a young, shy woman who struggles to make new connections. Always hesitant, constantly questioning her choices, she turns into a ball of anxiety when the pressure becomes too much. After overcoming a breakup (with someone who preferred to break the news to her via text...), she decides, for once in her life, to take the initiative and apply for a somewhat unusual job... as a receptionist in a hotel that welcomes both human and Pokemon guests! When she arrives for her interview with the boss, she learns that she'll be hired on the spot if she can use her first day on the job to make at least one Pokemon happy. Initially lost with so much responsibility, Haru eventually explores the small paradise island where the hotel is located and meets a little Psyduck, a particularly troubled client with frequent headaches, who is also very timid...
The premise is convincing. This little Haru, who obviously reminds us of our clumsy Kaoru, has everything to charm the viewer, and her budding relationship with a Pokemon as neurotic and shy as herself feels like a heartwarming story. Upon arrival on the island, we are amazed by this place teeming with Pokemon: a stylish Eevee, a playful Furret, a selfless Dragonite, and a group of very lively Pikachu. It's hard not to be captivated by the work done by the animators: the backgrounds and character costumes are very well-crafted, but of course, what stands out even more is the stop-motion animation technique that literally brings simple pieces of wood and cloth to life. The Dwarf studio truly excels in this sadly rare art form of stop-motion.
But beyond this enthusiasm, it must be admitted: after watching for about an hour (including the duration of the four episodes), we are left wanting more. The story of this little hotel seems to have so much to offer that it's hard to be satisfied with these sometimes poorly paced little adventures. In the end, we just feel like we've had a taste of what the project could have been if it had been fully realized; as if we had just watched a slightly too long trailer. Pokemon Concierge leaves you with the strange feeling of a project that was too ambitious and ultimately shortened by a few scenes. And if we add to that the use of digital effects that are a bit too prominent and poorly executed (especially in water movements), it's difficult to fully immerse oneself in the adventure, which promised so many beautiful things.
In short, we were eagerly anticipating being amazed once again by the work of the Dwarf studio (which had already somewhat disappointed us with the second season of Rilakkuma), and unfortunately, the excitement faded quite quickly. However, Pokemon Concierge is still a very enjoyable, colorful entertainment, but its potential was likely underutilized, which is a shame. Not even sure if a second season (if there ever is one) will be enough to ease this slight disappointment. Well. Despite everything, we won't complain: there's a Furret in the series. A FURRET. ♥
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