The Head Vanishes

Jacqueline is a woman teetering on the edge of certainty, but she decides to act like a grown up and take a solo train trip to the sea. What begins as a simple journey quickly unfurls into a quiet, surreal ride through memory, perception, and the small rituals of travel. The animation leans into stillness and subtle humor as everyday landscapes morph in the corners of the frame, inviting viewers to question what counts as sane and what counts as brave. Without giving away twists, the story focuses on the resolve to move forward, even when the world seems to drift and tilt around the person attempting to maintain control. It is a calm meditation on independence amid ambiguity.

Directed by Franck Dion, The Head Vanishes is a 2016 animated short that grows from the director's own concept rather than an adaptation. The film features French voice artist Florence Desalme and English voices Jeannie Walker and Kathleen Fee.

Box office data for this short isn't publicly reported, reflecting its festival circuit and streaming life more than a traditional theatrical release.

The film has a modest reception among online audiences, averaging 6.5 out of 10 from 25 votes, signaling a mixed but attentive response. It probes autonomy and perception, using spare visuals to turn everyday travel into a meditation on courage and vulnerability.