Float

Float follows a devoted father who learns his son experiences gravity in a way that sets him apart from other kids. To keep their lives from being judged, the dad tries to shield them by keeping the boy's gift hidden and by setting strict limits. As the world grows curious and the secret threatens to break, the father confronts a hard choice about how to protect his child. The tension between safety and acceptance pushes the family to consider what true support looks like, and how love can bend to meet a child exactly where he is. Quiet humor emerges in small domestic moments as Dad recalibrates his instincts about what counts as protection. The visuals stay simple and warm.

Directed by Bobby Rubio, Float is a short created for Pixar's SparkShorts and released in 2019. It draws on Rubio's experiences as a father and blends humor with warmth. Eli Fucile voices Baby Alex and Bobby Rubio voices Dad throughout.

As a short, Float did not have a theatrical release or box office tally. It was released through streaming platforms tied to Pixar and Disney, so there are no grosses to report. Its reach comes through digital channels and viewing.

Float is often noted for its quiet approach and its focus on family love and acceptance. It sparked conversations about parenting under pressure and the impact of fear on everyday life, using simple visuals to carry a big emotional message. Viewers describe how the film invites empathy without preaching.

Critics praised Float for its restrained storytelling and the clear themes of parental protection, acceptance, and the cost of hiding a child who is different. The film is often cited for its honesty about love overcoming fear. Its concise runtime and universal message helped it travel beyond animation circles for families everywhere.