The cutest, bubbliest film imaginable that includes references to a child’s parents dying in a murder-suicide, My Life as a Zucchini’s bright colors and bobble-headed Claymation figures belies it heavier themes of loss and loneliness. After the death of his mother in a fall, the titular character is sent off to an orphanage where many of the usual tropes are played but softened. He’s bullied, but not terribly; the orphanage is lonely, but not traumatic; the police officer who brings him might be intimidating at first, but becomes his friend. And eventually a girl comes, brings the orphans together, and befriends Zucchini. When there’s a threat that she might be taken out again by her mean-spirited aunt, the kids plot to save the day. My Life’s biggest strength is the juxtaposition of the use of bright colors and darling animation to address dark topics, but it’s weakness is that it doesn’t go far enough. It puts a bow on everything far too quickly and ultimately can seem too cutesy. Despite that, it’s a charming film and well-worth seeing, but fellow orphans should be warned, it definitely pulls at heartstrings in unexpected ways.