A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time, a family adventure-fantasy movie from Disney Studios, released in 2018, is based upon the beloved 1962 classic novel of the same name by Madeleine L'Engle. Helmed by engaging director Ava DuVernay, renowned for her work on Selma and 13th, the film boasts a star-studded cast that includes the talented young actress Storm Reid, media mogul and actress Oprah Winfrey, and Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon.

The story centers around the courageous middle-school-aged protagonist, Meg Murry (Storm Reid), a typical adolescent dealing with self-esteem issues, school troubles, and the puzzling disappearance of her astrophysicist father, Dr. Alex Murry (Chris Pine), who has been missing for four years. Meg’s younger brother, genius boy Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), and her classmate Calvin (Levi Miller), also help carry the weight of the narrative.

Meg’s life changes dramatically when three celestial beings—Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling) — materialize and reveal that they have been sent to help find her father. These mystical beings were summoned by young Charles Wallace with the aim of rescuing their father from the fifth dimension, where he has been arrested by an evil cosmic force known as The IT.

In order to save Dr. Alex Murry, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin embark on an interdimensional journey through time and space, guided by the celestial trio. The essence of the film distills down to a visually stunning quest through incredible landscapes and galaxies, some of them dark and frightful, others beautiful and full of light. This odyssey becomes not only a physical journey to find her father but also a metaphysical one. Throughout their adventure, Meg learns about bravery, love, and the power of self-belief.

A Wrinkle in Time becomes a visual extravaganza due to the exceptional work of vibrant cinematography and the captivating visual effects that make the vast landscapes and galaxies come alive on screen. Additionally, the formidable performances from the ensemble cast bring further vigor to the narrative. Particularly, Storm Reid demonstrates an impressive range, effectively embodying Meg's tumultuous journey from self-doubt to confidence against the backdrop of an intergalactic rescue mission.

Screen legends Oprah Winfrey, as the all-knowing and magically larger-than-life Mrs. Which, and Reese Witherspoon, as the eccentric and impulsive Mrs. Whatsit, imbue their characters with a warmth and humor that instantly endear them to direct the interstellar journey. Mindy Kaling plays Mrs. Who, communicates mainly in quotes from famous philosophers and thinkers, delivering an interesting performance. The mystifying elements of their characters add a layer of delightful complexity to the narrative.

A Wrinkle in Time, apart from being a visual delight and an adventure saga, has also managed to weave in some deep and resonant messages. It explores the struggles of the adolescent years, the insecurities that children have as they start comparing themselves to others, the pain of bullying, and the feeling of not fitting in, making it as much a coming-of-age drama as it is a fantastical adventure. The themes woven into the movie also explore the power of love, the importance of being true to oneself, and the notion of self-acceptance as a means of strength.

The film also stands out because of its score and sound design. The original music provided by Ramin Djawadi creates a stirring, emotionally evocative backdrop for the film's epic cosmic journey.

In its essence, A Wrinkle in Time is more than just a science fiction adventure; it's a heartwarming story about family, courage, and the importance of believing in oneself. The film encourages its viewers, particularly young people, to embrace their individuality, believe in their own abilities, nurture their strengths, and be resilient in the face of adversity.

A Wrinkle in Time is a cinematic marvel that combines stunning visuals with heartwarming storytelling, making it an enchanting tale enjoyable for both adults and children. It weaves a timeless and poignant narrative that offers something for everyone in its exploration of a young girl’s quest to find her father and ultimately herself.