2D Animation Grad Film Project
Lindsey-Anne Rattray
Duration: 4min:59s
Medium: 2D Digital Animation
Genre: Psychological Horror
Trailer
Logline
A sleep-deprived boarding school student haunted by a shadowy entity begins to question her reality, only to discover that the terrifying presence stalking her may be a manifestation of the struggles she refuses to confront.
Director Statement
Noctis is a deeply personal exploration of insomnia, anxiety, and the overwhelming nature of the mind when left unattended. While the film heightens these experiences through psychological horror, many of its emotional truths come from my own encounters with sleeplessness, vivid dreams, and moments where reality felt fragile.
I wanted to portray what it feels like to move through the world while silently struggling, continuing daily routines, attending class, responding “I’m okay,” while internally unraveling. The shadowy entity in the film represents the parts of ourselves we avoid: our fears, our exhaustion, our need for help. Though frightening in appearance, it is not malicious. It is Runa, unmasked, unfiltered, and honest.
Visually, I was drawn to blurring dream logic and physical space, allowing environments to shift without warning. This distortion mirrors how anxiety disrupts perception. Inspired by my growing interest in psychological horror and surreal storytelling, I wanted to challenge myself in a genre I had never explored before.
Ultimately, Noctis asks the audience to question what is real, what is imagined, and why we often fear the very things that are trying to help us heal.
Artist Statement
Lindsey-Anne Rattray is a 2D and experimental animation artist specializing in storytelling, character development, and storyboarding. Growing up, art became their voice when words felt out of reach, a way to express a loud, imaginative mind with quiet resilience. Originally from Jamaica, they began their creative journey exploring dance, music, and digital art, eventually studying Digital Media Production before pursuing animation at Emily Carr University in Vancouver. Their work blends thoughtful narratives with visually striking designs, driven by a passion for bringing complex emotions and ideas to life through movement and imagery.
Noctis Film Stills
Credits
Director, Animator, and Editor: Lindsey-Anne Rattray
Character Designer, Layout Artist, Colour Design and Storyboard Artist: Lindsey-Anne Rattray
Character Riggers: Samantha Mata and Lindsey-Anne Rattray
Technical Assistance: Samantha Mata
Compositor: Jamie Nguyen
Voice Actors: Lily Taban and Katie MacLachlan
Music Composer: John MacLachlan
Layout Sketch Assistance: Loki Li
Special Thanks:
Esha Barmi
Kyle Lopez
Caitlyn Loy
Instructors:
Amanda Strong
Mike Tse
Leslie Bishko
