Wolfwalkers
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 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.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The 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
The 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.
Anti-Christian Themes
The 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.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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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