A Boy, a Cat, and a Dragon: An Animated Adventure Unfolds
Elmer, an enterprising young boy, spends a carefree childhood helping his single mother run a small shop. The harsh realities of the Great Depression force the Elevator family to relocate to a bustling metropolis, where they settle into a cramped apartment, dreaming of better days. A heated argument leads the boy to run away from home, accompanied by a stray cat who offers him a peculiar piece of advice: seek out a dragon on a remote island, a dragon said to have the power to grant wishes.
A scene from the animated film “My Father’s Dragon”
Netflix has been on a roll with its animated offerings recently. From the summer release of “The Sea Beast” to the autumn debut of the “Cyberpunk” adaptation and a new film by the legendary Henry Selick, the streaming platform is clearly investing in animation. This diversity not only attracts a wider audience but also increases the chances of securing nominations during awards season.
“My Father’s Dragon” is the latest project from the acclaimed Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, poised to further boost Netflix’s chances of winning those coveted accolades. The studio’s previous works, such as “Wolfwalkers” and “The Breadwinner,” have garnered recognition from both audiences and critics alike. Their unique artistic style and respectful adaptations of folk legends and myths have allowed them to compete with industry giants like Disney and Pixar.
A scene from the animated film “My Father’s Dragon”
“My Father’s Dragon” is based on the beloved book by Ruth Gannett, first published in New York in the 1940s. It went on to become a global bestseller and a recipient of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Little did the author know, as she crafted the tale of a boy’s adventures on a mysterious island, that her story would become a children’s classic, remaining popular for over six decades.
From Page to Screen: Adapting a Classic
Nora Twomey, who previously worked on “The Breadwinner” and “The Secret of Kells,” took on the adaptation. She first encountered the book in 2012 when approached by Julie Lynn and Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out”) to discuss the possibility of bringing the story to the screen. Meg LeFauve conceived the film’s concept, adding a new storyline to the original: the move to a new city accelerates the boy’s growth and creates conflict within his family.
A scene from the animated film “My Father’s Dragon”
The dome-shaped and isolated island serves as a clear metaphor for escaping reality, and the boy’s arrival symbolizes an attempt to distance himself from his troubles. The animators paid close attention to depicting contrasts: the vibrant lands inhabited by diverse creatures stand out against the backdrop of the gray metropolis.
A Sinking Island and a Burdened Dragon
The island is constantly sinking, which terrifies its inhabitants. In an attempt to solve the problem, the local animals have captured a dragon, believing that a strong creature can pull the land out of the water. However, the more the little dragon pulls, the more the island sinks. The creators not only highlight the problem of delegating responsibilities to others but also depict a dystopia in which the fate of the population depends on a young creature.
Boris is a young dragon who has not yet grown his wings or learned to fly but has already taken on a number of responsibilities. “My Father’s Dragon” is a story about the coming-of-age of not only Elmer but also a creature who must overcome his fear of inadequacy.
A scene from the animated film “My Father’s Dragon”
A Tale of Growth and Responsibility
The encounter between the child and the fantastic beast adds further contrast: the juxtaposition of their personalities helps the writers build the drama on mutual growth. Unlike the book, in which the boy and dragon meet only in the final chapters, the creatures work together to help the inhabitants of the wild island.
Legend has it that a wise turtle named Aratua has held the secret to salvation for decades, but the residents have never seen her. As Elmer explores the locations, he realizes that most of the stories are outdated, but it is the belief in them that keeps the animals calm and gives them hope. The deceptive simplicity of “My Father’s Dragon” turns into the idea that most parents deliberately hide the truth from their children, because that is the only way they can ensure their safety.
It is the boy’s arrival on the island that instills in him a sense of responsibility: he must not only think about his own friend but also consider all the inhabitants. The boy tries to take matters into his own hands, changing the fates of the residents of the sinking territory.
Behind the straightforward and unpretentious animation of “My Father’s Dragon” lie several layers. It is not only a successful animated film that manages to modernize a classic work but also a complete statement about mutual assistance in difficult times.