However, as I rewatched, the darkness within the film became more and more apparent. I don’t know what drew a child as sheltered as myself to this film. It follows a lonely kid trying to find his place in the world while he struggles to deal with bullies, and parents who can’t quite be the heroes we expect them to be. After watching it again, I think it was its honesty. Growing up, we don’t have the answers - even now, we don’t - and most kids films are afraid to admit it. Seeing a story come together with a lesson and a neat bow, always felt inauthentic.
Where the Wild Things Are first showed me films weren’t there to teach me a lesson, they were here to tell me I wasn’t alone. They were here to show that you aren’t the only one who was sad or confused or anxious. Simply existing in this world is hard enough: we don’t need lessons, we need support. We need to know we’re not alone, and Where the Wild Things Are showed me that’s what films are for. Looking back, I don’t regret putting on that movie. Those tears didn’t mean they hated the film, it meant they felt something while watching it. And that’s what cinema is for.
- Katie McKenna Page 16
