The Velveteen Rabbit (2023 film)

2023 British short film

The Velveteen RabbitPromotional posterDirected byJennifer Perrott (live action) Rick Thiele (animation)Written byTom BidwellBased onThe Velveteen Rabbitby Margery WilliamsProduced byMartin PopeTom BidwellMichael RoseStarring Phoenix Laroche Alex Lawther Helena Bonham Carter Nicola Coughlan Music byAnne DudleyProductioncompanyMagic Light PicturesDistributed byApple TV+Release date 22 November 2023 (2023-11-22) Running time44 minutesCountryUnited KingdomLanguageEnglish The Velveteen Rabbit is a 2023 live-action/animated fantasy short film based on the novel of the same name. It was directed by Jennifer Perrott and Rick Thiele, and written by Tom Bidwell. It features Phoenix Laroche and the voices of Alex Lawther, Helena Bonham Carter, and Nicola Coughlan. Produced by Magic Light Pictures, the 44-minute special was released by Apple TV+ on 22 November 2023.

[edit] Phoenix Laroche as William Voice and animated cast[edit] Alex Lawther as Velveteen Rabbit Helena Bonham Carter as Wise Horse Nicola Coughlan as Playroom Fairy Paterson Joseph as King Lois Chimimba as Car Clive Rowe as Lion Nathaniel Parker as Male Rabbit Bethany Antonia as Female Rabbit

[edit] Filming[edit] The main filming took place in the two-story Tibradden House in the Rathfarnham suburb of County South Dublin, Republic of Ireland. The building is a designated local heritage site in Ireland and has previously been used as a film location for other films.

[edit] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 9 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.5/10. Rachel Aroesti of The Guardian awarded the special three stars out of five, praising the performances and emotional story.

The original story has always been a gentle meditation on love and transformation, but the 2023 short brings that comfort to the screen with a cosy blend of real‑world texture and soft‑drawn animation. The live‑action sets capture the muted, snow‑kissed tones of a classic British winter, while the animated rabbit glides in with a painterly quality that feels like a storybook come alive. The short length—just 44 minutes—means it fits neatly into an evening after the Christmas pudding, offering enough depth to linger in the heart without demanding a full‑length commitment. Families can gather on the sofa, watch the rabbit’s journey from piece of cotton to ‘real’ toy, and feel the warmth of the narrative echo the glow of a fireplace.

Apple TV+ makes the Velveteen Rabbit easy to slot into a family viewing schedule. Start by checking the subtitle options; the simple English subtitles are handy for younger listeners still mastering new vocabulary. Keep a cosy blanket at hand and perhaps a warm drink—hot chocolate works well—to mimic the story’s theme of comfort. The film’s pacing includes quiet moments perfect for pausing and discussing the rabbit’s feelings, encouraging children to reflect on how objects become dear through love. If you have a smart TV, use the ‘Watch Party’ feature to sync playback across rooms, letting grandparents join from a different house while everyone chats about the rabbit’s magic.

While the story’s heart is obvious, viewers sometimes overlook the subtle visual cues that echo the book’s original themes. The colour palette shifts gradually from muted greys to richer, warmer hues as the rabbit’s relationship with the boy deepens—mirroring the idea that love adds colour to life. Background details, such as the ticking clock in the nursery, hint at the passage of time that ultimately makes the rabbit "real." Even the texture of the rabbit’s fur changes, becoming more tactile as it moves from plush to lifelike, a nod to the magical “skin” that appears when a toy is truly loved. Spotting these tricks adds a layer of appreciation that rewards repeat viewings.