A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Synopsis:
After her scientist father mysteriously disappears, young Meg Murry embarks on an extraordinary cosmic journey to find him. Joined by her brilliant younger brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin O'Keefe, Meg receives help from three enigmatic celestial beings—Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who—who transport them across the universe through space and time. As they travel to distant worlds in search of her missing father Dr. Alex Murry, Meg must confront her own self-doubt and discover the strength within herself to face the darkness threatening the universe. This fantastical adventure blends science fiction with family drama as Meg learns what it truly means to be a warrior, guided by love and the unbreakable bonds of family in her quest to bring her father home.
Where To Watch: A Wrinkle in Time
Parental Feedback
A Wrinkle in Time (2018) blends adventure, science fiction, and fantasy elements into a family-friendly journey that explores themes of love, courage, and self-acceptance. Parents should expect a visually imaginative experience with emotional depth, as the story follows children searching for a missing parent across fantastical worlds. The pacing moves between quieter character moments and more intense sequences involving cosmic forces and darker imagery, creating a tone that balances wonder with genuine stakes that may resonate differently depending on a child's sensitivity to separation anxiety and peril.
Why Kids Should Watch A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
A Wrinkle in Time (2018) offers several positive elements that make it worthwhile viewing for families.
The story centers on Meg Murry, a young girl who embarks on an extraordinary quest to find her missing scientist father, providing a relatable protagonist who demonstrates bravery and determination. Her journey alongside her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O'Keefe shows children that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they believe in themselves.
The film celebrates the power of love and family bonds as Meg's devotion to her father drives the entire adventure. These themes reinforce the importance of staying connected to loved ones even when circumstances seem impossible.
With a diverse cast including Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling, the story presents positive role models and showcases representation that allows many children to see themselves reflected on screen. The three celestial guides—Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who—offer wisdom and encouragement throughout the journey.
The adventure and science fiction elements spark imagination and curiosity about the universe, potentially inspiring interest in science and exploration. The fantastical worlds and creative visual storytelling provide a sense of wonder that can captivate young viewers.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Parents may want to consider several factors before viewing A Wrinkle in Time (2018) with younger or more sensitive children.
The central plot revolves around a father's mysterious disappearance, which may be emotionally challenging for children who have experienced separation from a parent or who have anxiety about losing loved ones. The prolonged absence and uncertainty could trigger difficult feelings in some viewers.
Some sequences involve darker imagery and potentially frightening cosmic forces that represent evil and negativity, which might be intense for younger children. The visual representation of these threatening elements could be unsettling depending on a child's tolerance for suspense and peril.
The film's complex themes about self-doubt, acceptance, and battling darkness may be difficult for younger viewers to fully grasp, potentially leading to confusion rather than engagement. The abstract concepts woven throughout the narrative require a certain level of emotional and intellectual maturity to appreciate.
Verdict: Parent Approved
A Wrinkle in Time (2018) earns parent approval as a family-friendly adventure that promotes courage, love, and self-acceptance, though parents should gauge their child's sensitivity to themes of parental separation and darker fantasy elements.
What Parents Should Know About A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Meg demonstrates courage, loyalty to family, and perseverance in the face of challenges, while the story emphasizes the importance of love and believing in oneself. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film deals with a father's disappearance and Meg's feelings of loss and self-doubt, which may be emotionally intense for sensitive children or those with separation anxiety. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the story illustrates how negativity and darkness have harmful effects, while demonstrating that love and courage can overcome destructive forces. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, Meg works together with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O'Keefe throughout their journey, showing the value of friendship and collaboration. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the film conveys messages about embracing one's faults, the power of love to overcome darkness, and the importance of being a warrior for what matters most. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parental feedback on A Wrinkle in Time (2018) tends to be mixed, with families appreciating the positive messages about courage, self-acceptance, and family love, as well as the diverse representation in the cast. Many parents value that the story features a strong young female protagonist in Meg Murry who overcomes self-doubt to save her father. However, some families note that younger children may find certain sequences intense or frightening, particularly those involving darker cosmic forces. The film's abstract themes and emotional depth work well for older elementary-aged children and tweens who can grasp the more complex ideas about battling negativity and believing in oneself. Overall, parents recommend previewing or co-viewing with children to provide context and support during emotionally challenging moments.
Official A Wrinkle in Time Trailer
Why Kids Love A Wrinkle in Time
Meg and her little brother Charles Wallace team up with their friend Calvin to travel through space using a wild ability called tessering—folding the universe to jump instantly between planets. The three peculiar guides Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who lead them on this cosmic adventure, transforming and appearing in dazzling ways that make every scene feel magical and unpredictable.
The kids explore bright, colorful alien worlds filled with strange landscapes and eye-popping visuals that shift from one breathtaking setting to another. Each planet presents new puzzles and challenges that force Meg to think fast and use her smarts to navigate dangerous situations. The fast-paced action keeps the journey exciting as they race to find Meg's missing scientist father before time runs out.
Meg proves herself as a brave hero who stands out by embracing what makes her unique, even when she doubts herself. Charles Wallace's unusual intelligence and Calvin's loyalty create a team that works together to battle dark forces threatening the universe. The epic showdown requires Meg to save her family and fix the problem using her own special strengths, showing that being different is exactly what makes someone powerful.