The Dead Tree (1999): cast, story & where to watch
1999 · Film · ★ 10

Released in 1999, The Dead Tree is an animation film directed by Vincent Gauthier, running about 11 minutes.
What it’s about. Every night, when the vampire bats fly off in search of nourishment, they avoid the dead tree where victims of the Great Sickness are left to die. Since the advent of this life-threatening disease, the bats pay strict attention to a new law: their nightly harvest of blood must be purified by fire. Beware those who break this law, like Desmine and Modus, careless... This animated film evokes the AIDS crisis. It pleads for tolerance, calls for prevention, and denounces the stigma attached to victims of this end-of-millenium scourge.
How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, The Dead Tree sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Dead Tree page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Dead Tree tend to enjoy Spirited Away, Your Name., Grave of the Fireflies and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Dead Tree (1999)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Dead Tree change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Dead Tree worth watching?
- The Dead Tree holds an audience score of 10.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy animation. Most viewers rate it highly.
- When was The Dead Tree released?
- The Dead Tree was released in 1999, with a runtime of about 11 minutes.