Out (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Out is a 2020 short animated drama directed by Steven Clay Hunter, starring Kyle McDaniel as Greg (voice), Caleb Cabrera and Matthew Martin. It runs 14 minutes. Its Echo Score is 88/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 14 min
- Director
- Steven Clay Hunter
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Pixar
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Out About?
The premise of Out without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Greg leads a seemingly ordinary life with his family and beloved dog, but he harbors a secret that weighs on him. When a magical event occurs, aided by his clever pup, Greg is given a chance to confront his hidden truth and find a path toward openness and acceptance.
Out Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- coming out
- gay couple
- coming out to parents
- gay character
- homosexual
- dog
- gay protagonist
- coming out to family
- gay kiss
- gay love
- gay rainbow flag
- body swap
+38 more Show fewer
- gay magic
- lgbt
- representation
- gay boyfriend
- gay man
- gay pride
- interracial gay couple
- gay latino
- gay spirit
- dog collar
- gay
- closeted homosexual
- mother accepts gay son
- gay son
- hiding a photograph
- boyfriend boyfriend relationship
- ear flap hat
- keeping a secret
- fear of being outed
- couple
- nervous
- multiracial relationship
- goofy
- pet dog
- man and dog switch bodies
- human and animal switch bodies
- sentient dog
- dog bite
- dog spirit
- cat spirit
- dog wets the carpet
- talking dog
- talking cat
- bearded man
- maternal love
- trying to hide something
- understanding parents
- couple's photo
Out Cast & Characters
Kyle McDaniel leads the cast as Greg (voice), with Caleb Cabrera as Manuel (voice) and Matthew Martin as Gigi the Cat (voice). Directed by Steven Clay Hunter; 4 actors are credited in all.
- Director Steven Clay Hunter
- Kyle McDaniel as Greg (voice)
- Caleb Cabrera as Manuel (voice)
- Matthew Martin as Gigi the Cat (voice)
- Bernadette Sullivan as Mom (voice)
Out Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 88/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (75).
Out Echo Score Breakdown
Out delivers a concise yet resonant narrative that balances heartfelt emotion with playful visual storytelling. Reviewers consistently highlight the film's vibrant animation, effective humor, and the significance of its LGBTQ+ theme, noting moments that elicit both laughter and tears. While a few comment on a modest story depth, the collective response underscores a strong, lasting appeal that rewards repeated viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, the short is praised for its striking animation and vivid color palette. Multiple reviewers describe the visual style as beautiful, with fluid motion and appealing design choices that enhance the narrative. The only criticism concerns limited facial nuance, but overall the production quality is regarded as exemplary.
- Character & Emotion 85
Character and emotional resonance receive largely positive feedback, with many noting endearing performances and authentic feelings. Viewers cite moments where the protagonists’ acceptance triggers genuine tears, indicating effective emotional connection. A minor remark about facial expression nuance suggests room for deeper character detail, yet overall the character work is deemed strong and relatable.
- Story & Flow 75
The story’s core premise—acceptance and identity—is praised for its relevance and originality, especially the body‑swap twist. Reviewers acknowledge the concise plot delivers humor and warmth, though some describe the narrative as slight or average compared to Pixar’s best shorts. Nonetheless, the thematic impact and clear message give the story solid overall merit.
- Sensory Experience 90
Sensory experience stands out through acclaimed soundtrack choices and crisp sound design that complement the visual flair. The song "Pink and Purple" is highlighted for repeat value, and the animation’s vibrant hues receive consistent admiration. No substantive criticisms emerge, positioning the auditory and visual components as a cohesive, high‑quality element of the short.
- Rewatch Factor 85
Rewatch factor is emphasized by reviewers who note the film’s humor, emotional moments, and memorable music as reasons to view it again. The short’s brevity and universal message contribute to its lasting appeal, with many recommending it for repeated enjoyment across age groups. Overall, the consensus points to strong replay value.
Out Plot Summary
What happens in Out from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
A magical cat and dog appear outside Greg’s townhouse, as he and his boyfriend Manuel are packing his belongings to move. The cat, Gigi the Cat, taps the collar of Greg’s dog Jim with a spark of magic. Inside, while they look at a photo of the two of them together, [Manuel] quietly urges [Greg] to come out to his Mom, who unexpectedly shows up to help with the move.
Full summary
The whole story of Out, scene by scene
Out Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Out.
How Well Do You Know Out?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of Greg's boyfriend?
Out Also Known As
9 alternative titles, including “SparkShorts: Out” and “Salir”.
- Also known as
-
- SparkShorts: Out
- Salir
- Segredos Mágicos
- 아웃
- 踏出彩虹
- Εκεί Έξω
- 殻を破る
- 彩虹的愛
- לצאת
Seen Out?
Movies Like Out
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Out, Coming Out and Out Loud.
Out FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Out, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Out?
Out runs 14 minutes.
When was Out released?
Out was released on May 22, 2020.
Who directed Out?
Out was directed by Steven Clay Hunter.
Who is in the cast of Out?
Out stars Kyle McDaniel as Greg (voice), Caleb Cabrera as Manuel (voice) and Matthew Martin as Gigi the Cat (voice), among 4 credited actors.
Does Out have a post-credit scene?
No. Out has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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