Thinking and Writing: Into the Woods and Mormon Audiences

Disney's newest Christmas release, Into the Woods, challenges contemporary audiences and readdresses archetypes in what may be a troubling fashion for many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This doesn't mean that there are not many valuable themes contained within the story and its telling; nor does it mean that it is a "family film". However, the nature of the narrative may lead to many misunderstandings about the themes and messages of the film, the story being didactic in many ways. Despite these misunderstandings from audiences everywhere, it is indisputable that much can be gleaned from this worth-while film, and it should not be dismissed.

The audience reception of the film was surprisingly split, receiving about 58% positive response from viewers according to rottentomatoes.com. The most popular complaint thus submitted about the film so far has been the pacing, as the film resolves all conflicts approximately eighty minutes in, and then continues to heavily complicate plot-lines, dragging on, resulting in viewer boredom. I must submit that should Disney have decided to fade-out when everything in the film reached the point to "happily ever after" that not only would this film have lost all individuality and them, but it would have ended without saying anything significant at all. It may even be argued that the film would have been totally immoral with such an ending, seeing as up to this point nearly every principle character in the film engaged in ethically questionable activities in order to obtain what they desired. However, what the film does as it continues past what seemed to be a resolution is show all of the subsequent consequences of the characters' actions up to that point, and then teaches us all a true lesson.

In the film, the Baker and his wife want nothing more than to have a child of their own. When the Witch offers them their own child, they accept with the condition that they must retrieve certain ingredients from the woods for the Witch intended for making a magic potion. On the way, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (the one that climbed the bean stock), Cinderella, and Prince Charming all play roles in the plot-which is far too complicated to summarize here. In short, several characters lie to, steal from, and deceive each other in attempts to obtain what they most desire. In the process, several of the younger ones learn new things, and start advancing towards adulthood. This is a key theme of the film, that would be totally lost should the film had ended when many believed it should have. The trouble arises because members of the audience may react in one of two inappropriate ways. First, they may be drawn to overlook the mature themes of the film, and feel free to show it to their young children, assuming that because they see no questionable content therein, that it is therefore acceptable for all audiences. The other mistake would be find it irreconcilable due to its complex themes, label it evil, and reject the film as a whole. What a mistake that could be.

Should parents buy into the idea that this is a family film, they could risk certain misunderstandings occurring in the younger minds which are unprepared to deal with such themes as adulthood, sex, oppressive parenthood, and independence. Children will reach a point where all of these topics will be relevant to each of them, and should be discussed and talked about. However, there is a time for such discussions, and there is time also for innocence, obedience, faith, and even coddling. I would in no wise call this a film for children, although it has something to do with childhood. If there were a need to specify an intended demographic, this is a film for young adults and especially parents of children.

If the opposite position is taken, and the whole film is rejected in an attempt to shield everyone from such topics—none of which necessarily lead to evil discussions, then many positive lessons could be missed, which stand to enlighten our minds and please our hearts. I personally felt very humbled by the narrative, and inclined to try and understand and forgive others, especially family members. I would even go as far to say that it was a film that I needed to see at this time in my life.

Coming back to how members of the Mormon faith will likely react to this film, I would predict that most will fall into one of the two examples iterated above. In the end, I believe that while it is not a family film, or a film for all members of the family, it is a family film in the sense that the intrinsic values of the film, when discussed, will promote healthy growth and reflection within any family. Furthermore, is it possible to say that the artistic discussion of mature themes, handled tactfully and appropriately is wrong or dangerous? And will Satan be thwarted or benefited by our fear to talk about real human trials and experiences?