Wolfwalkers
Wolfwalkers is a 2020 animated fantasy-adventure film set in 17th-century Ireland, during a time of superstition and English colonization. The story follows Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who journeys to Kilkenny with her father to help exterminate the last wolf pack. While exploring forbidden lands, Robyn befriends Mebh, a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night, known as Wolfwalkers. As Robyn delves deeper into Mebh's enchanted world, she uncovers secrets that challenge her preconceived notions and risks becoming the very creature her father is tasked to destroy. The film explores themes of nature versus civilization, empathy, and challenging authoritarian rule.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film contains significant queer subtext and allegorical interpretations of LGBTQ+ and non-binary identity, widely discussed by critics, fan communities, and even acknowledged by director Tomm Moore. The transformation into a Wolfwalker is often viewed as a metaphor for coming out or self-discovery, and the intense bond between the two female protagonists is seen by some as romantic.
Director Tomm Moore acknowledged that the film's editor saw the relationship between Robyn and Mebh as a 'coming out story' and a 'real first crush, queer romance,' which he and co-director Ross Stewart were 'aware' of and 'gratified to see that some people saw that.' The film concludes with Robyn and Mebh 'lying together in bed, they're faces extremely close together' as they and their parents travel to an unknown place, leading some analyses to explicitly state, 'They are lovers, fully in tune and comfortable with their queer sides.'
Violence
HighThe film features multiple instances of animated violence, peril, and combat between humans and wolves. These scenes include physical altercations, the use of weapons, injuries, and character deaths, which contribute to an intense atmosphere.
The Lord Protector's soldiers, armed with guns and a cannon, engage in a climactic battle against Robyn and the wolf pack in the forest, resulting in 'heavy casualties' for the human forces. The Lord Protector himself meets his demise during this battle after being fought by Bill Goodfellowe, who has transformed into a giant wolf to protect his daughter.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe film presents the primary antagonist, the Lord Protector, as a religiously zealous figure whose oppressive actions against nature and the Wolfwalkers are explicitly linked to his interpretation of Christianity. This portrayal frames religious dogma as a force of destruction and intolerance, contrasting it with the 'wild magic' and natural spirituality of the Wolfwalkers.
The Lord Protector, a figure resembling Oliver Cromwell, orders the burning of the forest and the killing of all wolves 'in the name of the Lord,' directly using religious justification for his violent campaign. In his final moments, the Lord Protector 'commends his spirit to God and kills himself' to avoid being transformed into a Wolfwalker, which is interpreted by some analyses as a rejection of embracing what is perceived as 'queerness' or the wild, non-conformist nature.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumWhile there is no explicit sexual content or graphic nudity, the film includes strong implied romantic subtext between the two female protagonists, Robyn and Mebh. This interpretation is supported by comments from the film's director and various analyses.
Director Tomm Moore mentioned that the film's editor perceived the narrative as a 'first crush, queer romance' between Robyn and Mebh. The film ends with Robyn and Mebh sharing a close physical space, 'lying together in bed, they're faces extremely close together,' which some interpret as a clear indication of a romantic relationship, moving beyond mere friendship.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the narrative, revolving around the magical beings known as Wolfwalkers. These characters possess supernatural abilities, including shape-shifting and healing powers, which are integral to the plot and the conflict with human society.
Wolfwalkers are depicted as humans whose spirits leave their bodies to become wolves when they sleep, a form of involuntary shape-shifting. Mebh demonstrates healing powers, such as when she miraculously heals Robyn's pet falcon, Merlyn, after it is shot.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film features sustained periods of suspense, frightening imagery, and intense conflict, particularly involving the pursuit and persecution of wolves and Wolfwalkers. This content is deemed unsuitable for very young children.
The Lord Protector, an authoritarian figure, instills fear and commands the extermination of the wolf pack, leading to intense scenes of hunters pursuing wolves and threatening their den. Robyn's initial transformation into a Wolfwalker is portrayed with disorientation and panic, as she struggles to understand and control her new wolf form.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumA core theme of the film involves the protagonist, Robyn, engaging in acts of disobedience and rebellion against her father's strict rules and the authoritarian Lord Protector. Her defiance drives much of the narrative conflict and personal growth.
Robyn frequently disobeys her father, Bill Goodfellowe, by sneaking out of the walled town into the forbidden forest to hunt wolves, against his explicit instructions to stay safe within the walls. She also challenges the rigid societal expectations placed upon her as a girl, rejecting the domestic roles assigned by the Puritan overlord society to pursue her desire to be a hunter.
Profanity
LowThe film contains very infrequent and mild instances of profanity. The MPAA rating specifically mentions 'brief language.'
During a scene depicting the battle between wolves and humans, the mild expletive 'bloody hell' is used by one of the characters. Apart from this, significant strong language is absent.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depicted or implied substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, throughout the film. [No citations]
No characters are shown consuming alcohol, using drugs, or smoking at any point in the narrative. There are no discussions or references to substance abuse.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is recommended for children aged 9 and above due to intense sequences of violence and peril, scary images, and mature thematic elements. The film contains strong allegorical themes that may be interpreted as LGBTQ+ and anti-Christian, alongside significant portrayals of witchcraft and rebellion, making it potentially unsuitable for younger viewers or those seeking media aligning with strict Christian interpretations. It is generally not recommended for children under 7 years old.
Additional Notes
Wolfwalkers is a standalone film; therefore, concerns do not evolve across sequels, seasons, or adaptations. Its themes and character arcs are contained within this single narrative.
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