A Baby’s Late-Night Wandering Causes Parental Stress In The Surreal And Haunting ‘World To Roam’

In the surreal, haunting, and heartfelt World to Roam, filmmaker Stephen Irwin poignantly explores the challenges of child-rearing through a stunning visual feast that masterfully blends elements of horror, fable, and fantasy.

The story centers on a mother and father grappling with their baby son’s late-night wanderings. In a desperate attempt to keep him safe, they tie a piece of string around his ankle, hoping it will help them locate him by morning. However, there’s a catch: the string only extends so far, and nothing can truly prevent the boy from exploring the world on his own.

Every parent can relate to the struggle of balancing their own instincts to protect children from a harsh world with the child’s innate desire for independence — often witnessing their little ones defy parental advice and dive headfirst into the unknown. We reflect on pivotal moments in their development, feeling a bittersweet nostalgia for each stage. Yet the young ones remain blissfully unaware of both the past and the future, existing in a constant present — a state we adults often yearn for — oblivious to the fact that every choice they make sends ripples through time, influencing both what has been and what is yet to come.

Irwin is a British animation director and writer whose award-winning films have screened at over 100 international festivals, including three times at Sundance. A alumnus of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, his accolades include the grand prize at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for Moxie, the Silver Dragon at the Krakow Film Festival for The Obvious Child, and best short film at the British Animation Awards for The Black Dog’s Progress.

World to Roam was entirely self-funded.