A Wrinkle in Time, the 2018 Disney live-action film, is based on Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved science fiction/fantasy novel. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the movie brings the fantastical journey of Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe to life on the big screen. The film is visually stunning and filled with powerful themes, but is A Wrinkle in Time safe for kids? What should parents know before taking their children to watch this movie? This review dives deep into the movie’s suitability for young audiences, exploring its plot, visuals, thematic elements, and overall age appropriateness.
Quick Overview of A Wrinkle in Time
Before diving into the details, let’s start with a brief overview of A Wrinkle in Time.
Plot Summary:
In A Wrinkle in Time, Meg Murry, a young girl struggling with the mysterious disappearance of her father, is swept into an intergalactic adventure with her brother, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin. They are guided by three peculiar and powerful beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who—on a journey across space and time to rescue Meg’s father and confront the dark force known as “The It.”
Director and Cast:
The film was directed by Ava DuVernay, who is known for her work on Selma and 13th. The cast includes Storm Reid as Meg Murry, Oprah Winfrey as Mrs. Which, Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Whatsit, Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Who, and Chris Pine as Meg’s father, Dr. Alex Murry.
Genre:
A Wrinkle in Time is a blend of science fiction and fantasy. The story mixes whimsical adventure with deep emotional themes, offering a truly unique cinematic experience.
Is A Wrinkle in Time Safe for Kids?
When considering whether A Wrinkle in Time is safe for kids, parents must evaluate a few key factors: potential fear-inducing elements, thematic complexity, and overall suitability for different age groups.
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Violence and Intensity
The movie has several action-packed scenes, which can be intense for younger viewers. For example, there are moments of peril when the characters confront the darkness of “The It,” a malevolent force that spreads fear and negativity across the universe. The CGI-heavy visuals are powerful, and some sequences could be overwhelming for sensitive children.
However, the violence is not graphic, and the scenes are more emotionally charged than physically violent. Meg faces inner turmoil as she struggles with her self-worth and the challenge of saving her father. These themes, while intense, are handled in a way that may encourage viewers to reflect on their own emotional growth.
Emotional Impact
A Wrinkle in Time is filled with emotional depth, particularly in its exploration of Meg’s journey toward self-acceptance. While this is a positive message, some younger children might find it difficult to grasp the more nuanced themes of trust, forgiveness, and self-love.
The relationship between Meg and her father is central to the plot, and there are moments of emotional tension as Meg faces both internal and external obstacles. Some younger viewers may not fully understand the emotional weight of these moments, but older children, especially tweens, will likely connect with Meg’s struggles and triumphs.
Family-Friendly Themes
The overarching themes of the film include love, self-acceptance, courage, and light versus darkness. These themes are powerful and positive, making the film valuable for families to watch together. The idea that love can conquer darkness is particularly poignant, and Meg’s journey to find herself is inspiring.
The Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes or Overwhelming?
One of the standout features of A Wrinkle in Time is its stunning visual effects. From the otherworldly landscapes to the dazzling costumes and CGI-heavy sequences, the visuals are nothing short of magical. However, this also raises the question: Are these visuals too overwhelming for younger viewers?
CGI-Heavy Visuals
The film uses a mix of CGI and practical effects to create the fantastical elements of the story, particularly during the journey through different planets and dimensions. The scenes are visually captivating but may be overwhelming for children who are sensitive to rapid, bright, or intense images. The surreal and dreamlike environments, including the dazzling settings on distant planets, might be disorienting for younger viewers, especially if they have shorter attention spans.
Whimsical Adventure vs. Sensory Overload:
For those who enjoy visually stunning films, the movie’s visuals will likely be a highlight. The fantastical landscapes and imaginative interpretations of space and time are breathtaking. But for children with sensory sensitivities or shorter attention spans, these moments might prove a bit too much.
Art Direction & Costumes
The film’s costumes are equally mesmerizing. Mrs. Which’s flowing, ethereal attire, along with the vibrant, almost otherworldly costumes of the other characters, contribute to the whimsical nature of the film. These elements will likely captivate older children, but younger viewers may not fully appreciate the symbolism or the design choices.
The Story: Accessible or Overly Complex for Younger Audiences?
While the visuals are spectacular, the question remains: Is the story of A Wrinkle in Time accessible to younger viewers?
Pacing and Plot Complexity
The film’s pacing alternates between fast-paced action sequences and slower, more emotional moments. Younger children may find it difficult to stay engaged during the quieter scenes, where the plot delves into deeper emotional territory. Tweens, however, will likely find the balance between action and emotion more manageable.
Thematic Elements: Understanding Light vs. Dark
One of the most prominent themes in A Wrinkle in Time is the battle between light and darkness. This is presented in both a literal and metaphorical sense—characters must confront both external evil forces and internal struggles.
The darkness of The It, for example, represents fear, negativity, and insecurity, while the forces of light represent hope, love, and inner strength. For young children, understanding these abstract concepts may be challenging. However, older children and teens will likely appreciate the film’s deeper exploration of inner conflict and personal growth.
Book-to-Movie Adaptation:
Fans of the original A Wrinkle in Time book might notice some differences between the film and the source material. While the movie stays true to the essence of L’Engle’s work, there are changes made to the pacing and certain plot points. For children familiar with the book, these changes might be noticeable, but they do not detract from the overall narrative.
Applause for Diversity in Film
One of the most commendable aspects of A Wrinkle in Time is its commitment to diversity and representation. The film has been praised for its multicultural casting and the prominence of strong female leads.
Multicultural Casting
With Oprah Winfrey as the powerful Mrs. Which, Mindy Kaling as Mrs. Who, and Reese Witherspoon as Mrs. Whatsit, A Wrinkle in Time showcases a diverse range of actresses in major roles.
Strong Female Leads
The movie not only features a diverse cast but also centers around strong female leads, which is a refreshing change for family-friendly films. Meg Murry is portrayed as a resilient and brave protagonist who learns to overcome her self-doubt and inner turmoil, empowering young viewers to believe in themselves.
A Wrinkle in Time PG Rating Explained
The PG rating for A Wrinkle in Time indicates that the film is suitable for children, though parental guidance is advised. The PG rating takes into account several elements of the film, including mild peril, emotional intensity, and some thematic content.
What Does PG Mean for Parents?
A PG-rated movie typically means that it may contain scenes that could be too intense or emotionally complex for younger children. In the case of A Wrinkle in Time, this includes themes of fear, sadness, and personal struggle. Parents should be aware of these elements before deciding if the movie is suitable for their children.
A Wrinkle in Time Age Rating: Who Will Enjoy It the Most?
Based on the film’s complexity, themes, and visual intensity, A Wrinkle in Time is best suited for children aged 8 and up, though it can also be enjoyed by teens and adults.
For younger children, the film may be overwhelming, particularly due to the emotional themes and intense visuals. Tweens and teens will likely appreciate the deeper themes of trust, self-discovery, and bravery, while younger audiences may struggle to fully understand the story’s complexity.
Kids’ Movie Recommendations for Different Age Groups
- Ages 8-10: Children in this age group will be able to follow the storyline and appreciate the adventure, but some may be unsettled by the darker themes.
- Ages 10-13: This age group will likely connect with Meg’s emotional journey and enjoy the whimsical adventure. They will also be able to grasp the film’s themes of self-acceptance and love.
- Ages 13 and up: Teens will appreciate the deeper thematic elements and might find A Wrinkle in Time inspiring. The diverse representation of characters also provides an important cultural lesson for older viewers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch A Wrinkle in Time with Your Kids?
A Wrinkle in Time offers a visually captivating and thematically rich experience that can be both entertaining and thought-provoking for families. However, the film’s emotional complexity, thematic elements, and intense visuals may not be suitable for every child. Parents should consider their child’s emotional maturity and ability to handle darker themes before deciding whether to watch the movie.
Is A Wrinkle in Time kid-friendly?
While A Wrinkle in Time is a family-friendly film, it may be more appropriate for older kids and tweens. Its positive messages about love, bravery, and self-acceptance make it a valuable viewing experience, but younger children might find the emotional intensity or the darker aspects of the story difficult to handle.
Ultimately, A Wrinkle in Time offers a unique opportunity for post-movie conversations about themes like trust, forgiveness, and light versus dark storytelling. It’s a modern family film that reflects the struggles and triumphs of the modern American family, and its diversity and strong female characters provide a much-needed dose of representation in children’s media.
Key Takeaways:
- The film is visually stunning but may be overwhelming for younger children.
- The PG rating indicates some mild peril and emotional intensity.
- The themes of self-acceptance, courage, and love are powerful but may be challenging for younger kids.
- Tweens and teens will likely connect most with the story’s emotional depth and positive messaging.
- The movie is a strong example of diverse casting and multicultural representation in film, making it an important cultural piece for young audiences.
If you’re considering A Wrinkle in Time for your next family movie night, it’s worth thinking about your child’s age, emotional maturity, and ability to process complex themes.
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.
