I just got back from this film. Definitely a walk on the darker side for me, I don’t typically go for darker fantasy.
Still, I cannot escape my fascination with Asa Butterfield (Jake), and if he is in a film that fits my moral standards, I am going to be there. I love watching him, not only because his eyes are mesmerizing, but there is this quality in his acting that he brings out every single time, in any character. This level of curiosity, concern, and protectiveness. He’s one of a kind.
So is this movie. It was, unique, to say the least. I would not recommend this film to younger viewers (under 13) as it is very dark and violent. Children are in mortal danger and other children have been brutally murdered.
Still, in terms of a creepy movie that won’t ruin your soul and will give you an engaging story, endearing characters, and a comfortable ending, Miss Peregrine will fit the bill.
It’s no great masterpiece of tight plot, but your interest in the characters and their fate will keep you watching this film. All of the children actors were incredible. Miss Peregrine (Eva Green), was fascinating. She was almost musical in her mannerisms, confident in her actions, and vibrant in her style. I enjoyed her thoroughly and wouldn’t mind cosplaying as her.
The scenery was beautiful or horrifying by turns. Every mood was captured appropriately.
The villain was not exactly what I could term terrifying, he was actually on the casual, almost nonchalant side. He was not the most horrifying of the evil things, so, his lightness was okay. It was almost relaxing to have a nonchalant villain who just did his thing and seemed amused with those people in his way.
Some parts of this movie were just plain bizarre, but if you relax and anticipate weirdness, you should enjoy this film.
Here are some more specifics if you want to know whether or not this movie is appropriate for your family. *warning, some spoilers, I will keep my terms as general as possible
Sex/Nudity- One child’s peculiarity is invisibility, whenever they need him to be completely invisible he has to become naked. Naked and invisible, chilly, but not really an issue.
One female character removes her outer clothing, a male character glances away as if unsure, but she is only going down to an undergarment layer the equivalent of a tank top and shorts. The scene is non-sexual and purely practical.
2 sweet and brief kisses between older teenagers.
Violence/Gore- Prepare yourself, this is a long section.
Multiple characters are shown lying dead with their eye sockets empty. The evil creatures need to feed upon the eyeballs of other “peculiars” in order to accomplish something.
A character picks up a bloody object. Another character is found holding an even bloodier object.
Characters are shown dead.
Characters go through something like an electric shock, which leads to a disturbing body transformation.
Monsters are shot with crossbows, or stabbed with objects.
A dead child is kept in a room, his eye sockets empty.
A child has a knife held to their neck to be used as leverage. The child is fine.
One character does lose their eyeballs on screen, this is not a beloved character.
A villain tries to drown a child, the child is shown underneath ice. The child makes it.
A villain tries to freeze another child. That child appears to be dead, but is revived.
A character is grabbed violently through a window and never seen again.
A character who’s “peculiarity” is to animate things to life creates disturbing little toys, toys that then fight each other and “die”. This character does end up using their power to accomplish good and is better by the end of the film.
A large battle between skeletons and monsters takes place.
Language/Profanity- One oh my g**, maybe 2 at the most
crap
Frightening Scenes- It starts out frightening, it is frightening throughout, it is weird, but the ending is comfortably peaceful and happy.
Heroes/Role Models- There are many heroes in this film. Miss Peregrine’s role in life is to protect “her” children. She puts their safety above her own.
Jake is not a heroic figure to begin with, but he grows into an intelligent and strong protector, embracing his destiny. He also enables the other Peculiars to become braver and use their gifts to defeat evil.
Abe has been protector of the Peculiars his whole life.
Talking Points
- How can we be brave?
- What does bravery mean?
- How can we use our gifts and talents to help those around us?
I enjoyed this movie, despite it being outside of my comfort zone. I wouldn’t be opposed to a sequel, but we shall see what happens.
Happy October!
reellifebygrace 