Based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic of the same name, A Wrinkle in Time is a fantasy tale centered on the character of Meg Murry (Storm Reid) and her younger brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe). The two meander on an epic adventure to find their father (Chris Pine), a reclusive scientist and are assisted with the help of their friend Calvin O’Keefe (Levi Miller) on a search and rescue mission.
Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin travel across dimension and space aided by three celestial beings, the “Mrs Ws” – Mrs Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs Who (Mindy Kaling), and Mrs Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon). The film’s theme is universal, depicting a transformative journey which examines the nature of darkness vs. light, revealing how love can trump anything.
The film, directed by Ava DuVernay features diverse talent in front and behind the camera. Storm Reid steps into her first leading role following supporting performances in Sleight and 12 Years a Slave. She carries the film as the story’s lead protagonist and gives a compelling performance. Her emotionally enduring portrayal of this character resonates through the screen. Reid brings an extra later of depth to her character which reflects her personality onscreen and off. Reid has been vocal about her hopes that the movie will inspire young people, especially young people who look like her.
“I feel like our movie tells everyone that they should be warriors and that they have it in them to be the light and be the warrior that they were truly born to be,“ Reid told Beliefnet. “I feel like it’s really important because young people often doubt themselves and these dark times are kind of weighing on us so to be able to represent that and show the world and young people that they are enough and that they are worthy is truly incredible.”
Reid read the book when I was in the 6th grade and got the role of Meg in 8th grade. Meg’s uniqueness is what drew Reid to her character. She also relates to Meg’s character in many ways. We can all find ourselves in Meg, Reid said.
“Meg is just a young teenage girl who’s just trying to grow up, who’s trying to fit in but has challenges and faults on top of what she’s going through already. It just takes her a trip around the universe to find out who she is and how much she’s worth and that she is worthy of being loved,” Reid said. “I feel like young people are doing just that, trying to figure out who they are, who to surround themselves by and just trying to figure out who they want to be…We’re just trying to find ourselves and figure it out.”
Both the character of Meg and Reid herself are allowing young girls, particularly young girls of color to see themselves reflected in a significant way. When they go to theaters and watch this movie, they will see a reflection of themselves on the screen.
“When I was reading the book, I just thought Meg was so peculiar and I just thought it was so fascinating that she didn’t realize how great she was but everybody else did,” Reid said. “I want to be able to inspire a young generation of people and inspire young girls that look like me to just know that they are perfect just the way they are. Even though they may have faults or challenges and may make mistakes, they are powerful.”
Black Panther’s record-breaking box office run and the anticipation of A Wrinkle in Time’s release continues to prove that there’s a hunger for diversity and representation in media. Representation is everything, Reid said.
“I feel like diversity and representation is very important, especially in times like this where most people of color or minorities aren’t getting represented and they are not being seen or shown. So to be able to be given those opportunities and represent people is so great. I feel like representation is everything so for everybody to be able to see themselves which I feel like they can do while watching A Wrinkle in Time is just really important and really amazing.”
Reid felt privileged to play the role of Meg but even if she wasn’t playing the lead role, she would still support the film.
“It would still be so moving and powerful for me because I would see a young, African-American girl on screen who looked like me saving the world,” Reid said.
A Wrinkle in Time has an extremely powerful message for kids. It not only features a strong family structure, but also encourages you to love the qualities that make you unique. DuVernay delivers a story that will speak to all kinds of young people.
“I hope people, or young girls, or just anybody who sees the film will leave inspired and just leave knowing that they are enough and that they are worthy of being loved,” Reid said. “I hope they leave recognizing that they are the beautiful king, or queen, or princess or goddess that they are meant to be.”
Reid hopes that the movie will be a cinematic light in dark times.
“I hope they realize that they are the light and they can use the light to fight the darkness and bring the world together because we are in such dark times right now,” Reid said.
A Wrinkle in Time releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 9th.
