I have been a long-time admirer of the creatures created by Nick Park, so I decided to watch this short with a very positive bias. The visuals keep their characteristic style and the production value is at the expected level. It was not until half-way into the story that I got an uncomfortable feeling... By the end it was clear to me that the short presents (exotic) outsiders in a very bad light, and the only solution to the problems that they certainly bring is to get rid of them as soon as possible.
(spoilers ahead)
Here is a summary of the plot: Llamas (fairly exotic south-American animals for the British countryside) are brought to the farm. At first charm everyone with their care-free attitude; they are playful and relaxed, and extremely good at football. There is some disruption, and maybe even a popularity struggle with Shaun who attempts to keep the status quo. As the days go by, everyone realises the llamas are lazy, rude, messy and inconsiderate and slowly take advantage of the resources of the farm, unwilling to share with the other animals. The situation gets gradually more chaotic and Shaun decides to do something about it: get rid of the llamas. Working together with Bitzer, Shaun and the sheep manage to trap the llamas. The llamas are auctioned, and despite no-one wanting to have them, the "evil" farmer is tricked and ends up getting all of them.
(spoilers ahead)
Here is a summary of the plot: Llamas (fairly exotic south-American animals for the British countryside) are brought to the farm. At first charm everyone with their care-free attitude; they are playful and relaxed, and extremely good at football. There is some disruption, and maybe even a popularity struggle with Shaun who attempts to keep the status quo. As the days go by, everyone realises the llamas are lazy, rude, messy and inconsiderate and slowly take advantage of the resources of the farm, unwilling to share with the other animals. The situation gets gradually more chaotic and Shaun decides to do something about it: get rid of the llamas. Working together with Bitzer, Shaun and the sheep manage to trap the llamas. The llamas are auctioned, and despite no-one wanting to have them, the "evil" farmer is tricked and ends up getting all of them.