This is the story of a damaged family dealing with grief. Mom has died. Dad doesn't know what do and is visibly flondering. His son wants to fix everything. His daughter is turning toward art, which is taking a violent turn. When the pond nearby is discovered to be able to fix things, the son decides to take their mother ashes and see if it will bring her back. Before he can go Pet Semetary his sister stops him and drops her sketchbook into the water. This brings all her drawings to life.
This is a really good family film that will resonate with even the adults. It is a wonderful film that trusts it's audience. The characters are wonderfully broken and remain that way all the way through the film. While the film is mostly light there is a dark undertone, that is actually incredibly dark if you know what to look for.
I was shocked and delighted. Actually, because I see things are darker than normal I was kind of shocked that the film was being pushed as a kids film. Then I realized that so many of the clasic family films, from THE WOZARD OF OZ to WILLIW WONKA to THE GOONIES or DARK CRYSTAL all have a darkness to them that add a weight to the proceedings that keep their charms anchored to our hearts.
I loved this film. Not only did I love the story, I loved the monsters. Wonderfully childlike the truly look like something that a kid would design. They are destined for a long life outside of the film.
In a year where the films for families have been a mixed bag, it's so nice to see a film where it all comes together.
Recommended.
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