Hyas et stenorinques (1929): reparto, argumento y streaming

Released in 1929, Hyas et stenorinques is a notable film directed by Jean Painlevé.

What it’s about. In close-ups and extreme close-ups, we watch two small species of marine crustaceans, the slender long-legged stenorhynchus and the clumsy, short-legged hyas. To blend in, both cover themselves with found objects, such as algae and sponges. We watch them move, eat, greet each other, and fight. They have small mandibles and large claws. Near them are spirograph worms, 6 inches long, with a plume of branchiae that fan out like exploding fireworks. We see vibrating cilia, 0.001 mm long, on the branchiae, sending food toward the mouth at the plume's center. Chopin's music and an off-screen narrator suggest we're watching a ballet.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, Hyas et stenorinques has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In Estados Unidos you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Hyas et stenorinques page.