The Pixar influence is clear in Alma, from the silent-film storytelling to the high-quality 3D CGI rendering of its adorable protagonist. But despite Pixar’s tradition of screening original shorts prior to its feature releases, don’t expect to see this tale of a little girl investigating a mysterious doll shop playing before Toy Story 3 — the narrative is simple yet eerie, ending on a dark twist more evocative of Stephen King than Walt Disney. “The inspiration came from the life-like doll my aunt had at her home. That doll scared the hell out of me as a kid,” said Blaas.