While I liked the new movie, “A Wrinkle in Time,” I was disappointed to find some beloved characters and storyline missing. Meg’s storyline and growth with Aunt Beast was completely missing. Meg and Charles Wallace’s brothers, Sandy and Dennys are absent. I also was disappointed they didn’t show more of Calvin’s story and character. In the book, he vulnerably shares with Meg what it’s really like in his home, and is very protective of her. I was sad to see some of his chivalry was tampered down in the movie (such a cutie pie actor though!). Mrs. Murray was not nearly weird enough. In the book, she just went with it when Mrs. Whatsit showed up. I missed some of her warmth from the book.
The movie did, however, keep the uplifting and inspiring nature of the books, at least. It was still enjoyable to watch, and I liked the different take on Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and the Happy Medium. Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling are phenomenal, of course. I liked that they made the Murrays a biracial family, and that Charles Wallace was adopted. These changes were fresh and interesting.
I want to share something from the book I found particularly meaningful. The main character, Meg is trying to explain seeing to “Aunt Beast,” a creature from another world:
“Well, it’s what things look like,” Meg said helplessly.“We do not know what things look like, as you say,” the beast said. “We know what things are like. It must be a very limiting thing, this seeing.”
After reading this, I spent several minutes soaking in the depth and truth of this passage. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am so grateful for my sight! I love being able to see my family and friends, to be able to read, and having my breath taken away by the beauty of a sunset reflecting on the water…but I am very aware of the limitations that seeing presents, such as:
Judging others based on the way they look or dress. We are limited when we miss the opportunity to know someone special because of the way he or she looks. We are limited when we allow ourselves to feel ugly in comparison to models and movie stars. We miss out when we continually feel dissatisfied with what we see in the mirror, chasing the lie that we have total control over it, and are just one product away from the happiness, success, and love that beauty guarantees. We are limited when we focus on perfecting what we see in the mirror, instead of growing who we are.
Since I wouldn’t wish away my vision and I’m sure you wouldn’t either, I propose we try this: let’s try living in an awareness that beauty is fleeting and has been distorted. And most importantly: it really is what is inside that counts.
If you haven’t already seen this amazing video on beauty distorted, check it out:
our messy joyful life 