Sometimes being responsible is a burden.

A lopsided obligation.

A lonely and thankless job.

In the wonderfully animated short film Lighthouse, a grumpy lighthouse keeper makes sure that a safe little seaside town stays that way, by dutifully maintaining the beacon that shines above it.

But as the faithful light makes its endless orbits, the cantankerous keeper’s grunts and grimaces pose a wordless question. Why must he alone shoulder the titanic task of keeping ships and citizens free from disaster, while the townspeople play and party, oblivious to his singular responsibility?

Then the light goes out.

Hope is extinguished.

And disaster threatens, full-speed ahead.

The subsequent events—perilous and terrifying, surprising and uplifting—test the depths of the keeper’s abilities.

Until he finally sees the light.

Watch Lighthouse and see how responsibility shines and soars when the burden is shared.

For a discussion guide with questions, please click here.