Imagination. It doesn’t only help us to create different worlds in theory, but imagination also allows us to unlock the power that is inside of us and break the barriers that stifle growth. In the A Wrinkle in Time, we are all transported to a new world and filled with hope and promise.
Meg Murry (Storm Reid) has grown up without her father (Chris Pine). As the anniversary of her dad’s disappearance arrives, she is trying to do her best just to survive school and people who don’t understand. But life is rough for Meg and her younger brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe).
Charles’ mind is more open to his environment than Meg’s. And when the young boy introduces Meg to his new friends Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon) and Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling), she is slightly baffled but also extremely curious. Who are these strange characters and why do they keep appearing? But when Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey) appears to her, Meg takes the leap and finds that her mother (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and father’s research led to dad’s disappearance. And now she is going on a fantastic journey to unleash her warrior and find her father, but can she?
A couple of things in the interest of full disclosure: I’m the proud parent of a teenage girl and can relate to Meg and the challenges she faces. I can also relate to the boundless imagination of youth. I wanted to go on the journey with Meg and I dove in with both feet. I also come from the perspective of not having read the book on which this film is based. That said, I really enjoyed this experience.
Director Ava DuVernay has crafted an amazingly detailed environment that we get to explore. It is on this journey that we are met with color and darkness along with good and evil. And her lead actress, Reid, shines among the cavalcade of stars in the film.
It’s not a perfect ride. There are some plot points that abruptly end and a story that is left unresolved, but I found myself truly attached to Meg. I wanted her to be successful and cheered her on as we waited for the warrior within to take charge.
A Wrinkle in Time is a film that will open the viewer’s eyes — it did mine. The inner child decided to go on a ride to this far-off place, and the smile has still not left my face
A Wrinkle in Time is available On Demand beginning June 5. Check your cable system for availability.