DC Showcase: Death (2019)

DC Showcase: Death (2019) is an American animated short superhero film directed by Sam Liu, written by J.M. DeMatteis and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment. It is based on the character Death created by Neil Gaiman and Mike Dringenberg. Through flashbacks, we witness the past of Vincent Omata, a resident of Gotham City. As a child, Vincent spent hours drawing on his bedroom floor, despite his father’s disapproval. As an adult, he pursues his passion for art at Gotham University but is met with harsh criticism from his professor who suggests a career in dentistry instead. This leads to the deterioration of Vincent’s relationship with his girlfriend Charlotte after six years together. In the present day, Vincent finds himself painting the gates of Arkham Asylum but is fired due to his slow pace and defiance. Seeking refuge in a bar, he is haunted by fiery demons representing figures from his past: his father, art professor, Charlotte, and former boss at Arkham.

At the bar, Vincent meets a pale woman dressed in black with gothic makeup. Immediately taken with her, he expresses his desire to paint her portrait. However, she explains that she has to leave to meet Pedro, an employee who collapsed and was transported by emergency vehicles. After staggering back to his decrepit apartment, Vincent injects himself on the couch and falls into a deep slumber. He is awakened by a loud noise and peers outside to witness the woman being confronted by two strangers. From his window, Vincent defends her until he eventually steps outside to offer assistance. But upon reaching her side, he discovers that she is now alone; the two people who were originally arguing with have been involved in a recent car accident. The woman then invites Vincent to see his artwork and they make their way up to his apartment together.