So I turned on the TV and this movie was going on. It immediately caught my attention for some reason. As I watched on, it became clear that the tone of the movie is what caught my attention. Starting with the soundtrack, the choice of actors, and the overall theme, it has an optimistic, endearing, feel-good aspect to it that was severely lacking in most films I have been watching recently. It certainly contrasts with the most sombre, cynical tone not only of many moder movies, but also everyday life. For that reason I was instantly and deeply captivated by this movie. One could say the main theme of this movie is family, but I would much rather frame it as that contrast between our cynicism and that rare, childlike quality of innocence and purity.
While most of the movie characters seem to have an aura of cynicism about them, Peel's aura is of that childlike innocence. This is, of course, both a quality and a curse. It is a curse because it is clear how that innocence comes from a place of over-protection and isolation. Peel isn't like any other person his age. But rather than it being a factor of disconnection and social exclusion, he is the character most able to comnect with others in a meaningful way, while it is apparent how some of those that surround him push away connection. This becomes very clear with his interaction with his brothers. There is certainly a deep lesson to be learned from here. Peel is, at first sight, a dork. A maladapted, socially awkward, naive, infantile man. He is too sincere, too filterless, too unaware of social conventions. People like him often become targets of mockery and disdain. But his naiveté makes the cynicism of those he meets stand out so much, you start to question who the real dorks are. That cynicism becomes the real ugly beast, and it is so apparent that those that first push him away take it as a strength, rather than an ultimately self-sabotaging trap that comes out of a desperate attempt to defend themselves.
I suspect the viewers of this film will have similar reactions. Some will mock Peel, pity him, perhaps feel disgusted or even outright angry at him. Others will feel a protective instinct towards him, as if his naiveté makes him too vulnerable of being hurt, or his innocence too precious, having to be protected at all costs. Others still will relate to him in a very deep, personal way. Either way, I find it difficult to be indifferent to him. We all have known a Peel, or perhaps we wish we knew one. Inevitably this film will lead us to think of them in a very different light.
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