Ethel & Ernest

Originally published on social media on January 3rd, 2023

A nonfiction animation that is not strictly educational, specifically made for children, or politically edgy, “Ethel & Ernest” is truly one of a kind. Beloved English illustrator and author Raymond Briggs pays tribute to history, his own life, and his parents Ethel & Ernest through this film and book. Both are filled with lovely art and raw truths.

Hope. Ethel, Ernest, and Raymond are full of hope in the midst of inconceivable circumstances that are hard for our modern and privileged circumstances to imagine. We’ve all had a taste of global pain through this pandemic, but as Americans of the 21st century, most of us have not spent nights in homemade bomb shelters or had our homes themselves destroyed by bombs. How do you carry on in life when danger could be moments away? Hope and love.

The love of Ethel & Ernest Briggs begins in the 20s and endures through good times, bad times, literal WW2, and watching their son make “poor” choices. Throughout each era of their love, the couple laughs, cries, and remains realistically positive. The romance between Ethel & Ernest was beautiful not because it was wildly passionate, but because they were two best friends who embraced the little joys of ordinary life — never striving for riches, but knowing they are already rich in what matters most. Is there anything more romantic?

The historical context here is enriching, but what continues to fascinate me is the perspective the story was told: Raymond Briggs. Throughout the story, Briggs makes the occasional joke, even about himself, but also exposes many of the raw truths and nuances of family dynamics and real relationships. For instance, Briggs’ shared how his own wife suffered from schizophrenia, something often stigmatized to this day. Briggs loved his wife not without challenges, but without shame or regret.

“Ethel & Ernest” is autobiographical and therapeutic…for everyone. Briggs copes and processes all his emotions and pain with color and specific drawing techniques. Every emotion is keenly felt, leaving the viewer with a deeper understanding of Ethel, Ernest, Raymond, and themselves.