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A Wrinkle in Time (2018) movie poster

Characters & Themes

A Wrinkle in Time (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 109 min · English
Echo score 48
JustWatch #19,138 10
Directed by
Ava DuVernay
Starring
Storm Reid, Chris Pine, Michael Peña, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis
Budget
$100M

After the mysterious disappearance of their scientist father, Meg and Charles Wallace Murry begin a remarkable journey to find him. Accompanied by a friend, Calvin O'Keefe, and the enigmatic Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, they travel through space and time. Their quest leads them to confront a powerful, shadowy force threatening the universe, while also discovering the importance of love, family, and believing in oneself.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like A Wrinkle in Time
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Where can you watch A Wrinkle in Time? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Disney Plus, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

A Wrinkle in Time Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of A Wrinkle in Time (2018), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Meg Murry (Storm Reid)

    Meg is a thirteen-year-old girl grappling with her father's mysterious disappearance and her struggles at school. She exhibits determination and courage as she embarks on a quest across the universe. Throughout her journey, she evolves from insecurities into a brave hero who learns the power of love and forgiveness.

    • 👩‍👧 Family
    • 🌟 Heroism
    • 🔍 Self-Discovery
  • Mr. Murry (Chris Pine)

    Mr. Murry is a well-respected astrophysicist whose disappearance sparks the adventure. His unwavering belief in the potential of humanity symbolizes hope and serves as the motivation for Meg and her brother to rescue him. His character illustrates the sacrifices made for knowledge and the love for one’s family.

    • 👨‍🔬 Science
    • 💖 Family
    • 🕳️ Adventure
  • Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe)

    Charles Wallace is Meg's brilliant younger brother, who possesses a unique connection to the universe. He is vulnerable yet courageous, often serving as the connection between Meg and the astral travelers. His character represents the innocence of childhood and the profound bond of sibling love.

    • 👦 Sibling Love
    • 🧠 Intelligence
    • 🌠 Adventure
  • Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon)

    Mrs. Whatsit is one of the three astral travelers who guides Meg and her friends on their quest. She embodies wisdom and hope, transforming from a whimsical figure to a powerful being that instills courage in the children. Her character emphasizes the theme of light fighting against darkness.

    • 🌈 Guidance
    • 🌟 Fantasy
    • 🦄 Transformation
  • Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling)

    Mrs. Who is known for her reliance on quotes from various sources to convey wisdom. Her enigmatic nature adds depth to the narrative, and she serves as a source of knowledge and support for Meg and her companions. She represents the myriad of cultural influences that shape our understanding.

    • 📚 Knowledge
    • 🎭 Mystery
    • ✨ Quotation
  • Red (Michael Peña)

    Red is The IT's bodyguard on Camazotz, initially presenting a façade of kindness. His character reveals the dangers of manipulation and the oppressive nature of The IT's control over innocence. Despite his deceptive exterior, he embodies the theme of corruption and the loss of true happiness.

    • 🛡️ Antagonist
    • 🌪️ Deception
    • 😕 Manipulation

Last updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:08

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Setting

Where and When Does A Wrinkle in Time Take Place?

The setting of A Wrinkle in Time (2018): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary world, reflecting modern societal issues such as bullying, family dynamics, and personal growth. The juxtaposition of everyday life on Earth with the extraordinary adventures through space highlights a timeless struggle against evil and the importance of love and perseverance.

Location

Earth, Uriel, Camazotz

The story traverses multiple realms, primarily focusing on Earth where the Murry family resides. Uriel is a vibrant, distant planet that showcases the beauty of light and hope, serving as a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive environment of Camazotz. Camazotz is characterized by its sinister atmosphere, defined by the malevolent entity known as The IT, which oppresses its inhabitants and symbolizes the worst aspects of human nature.

  • 🌍 Earth
  • 🌌 Uriel
  • 🌑 Camazotz

Last updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:08

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3 major themes

A Wrinkle in Time Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is A Wrinkle in Time (2018) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love

    The overarching theme of love is central to Meg's journey, as it ultimately empowers her to confront formidable challenges. Her bond with her father and brother drives her determination to rescue them from the clutches of The IT. The film illustrates how love transcends darkness and may bring about redemption and liberation.

  • Self-Discovery

    Meg's adventure is a profound journey of self-discovery where she learns to embrace her imperfections. Throughout her trials, she understands her worth and capabilities, ultimately finding confidence in her identity. This theme resonates with viewers, encouraging personal growth through facing fears and accepting oneself.

  • Good vs Evil

    The struggle between good and evil is vividly portrayed through Meg's battles against The IT. The film illustrates how darkness can manifest in various forms—greed, pride, and hatred—and the importance of resilience and strength in the fight against malevolence. Meg's journey serves as a reminder of the constant battle between light and dark in the universe.

Last updated: December 12, 2024 at 23:08

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Character & theme questions

A Wrinkle in Time Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about A Wrinkle in Time (2018): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is A Wrinkle in Time set?

A Wrinkle in Time takes place across multiple realms, primarily on Earth where the Murry family lives, but also extends to Uriel, a distant planet representing light and hope, and Camazotz, a dark and oppressive world controlled by the malevolent force known as The IT.

  • locations
  • earth
  • uriel
  • camazotz
  • setting
  • planets
Q2

What is Camazotz in A Wrinkle in Time?

Camazotz is a sinister planet in A Wrinkle in Time where the villainous entity known as The IT exerts control over its inhabitants. The dark, oppressive environment serves as a stark contrast to Uriel and represents the worst aspects of human nature, including manipulation and loss of individuality.

  • camazotz
  • the it
  • planet
  • villain
  • darkness
Q3

When is A Wrinkle in Time set?

A Wrinkle in Time is set in a contemporary world, reflecting modern societal issues like bullying, family dynamics, and personal growth. The story combines everyday life on Earth with extraordinary adventures through space, creating a timeless narrative about overcoming evil.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • setting
Q4

What is the main theme of A Wrinkle in Time?

The main theme of A Wrinkle in Time is love, which empowers Meg to confront the challenges she faces throughout her journey. The film illustrates how love transcends darkness and can bring redemption and liberation, particularly through Meg's bond with her father and brother.

  • theme
  • love
  • family
  • redemption
Q5

What does A Wrinkle in Time say about self-discovery?

A Wrinkle in Time explores self-discovery through Meg's journey, as she learns to embrace her imperfections and finds confidence in her identity. The film encourages personal growth through facing fears and accepting oneself, showing that true strength comes from within.

  • self-discovery
  • identity
  • personal growth
  • confidence
  • meg murry
Q6

What is The IT in A Wrinkle in Time?

The IT is the central antagonist in A Wrinkle in Time, representing a malevolent force that embodies the worst aspects of human nature, including greed, pride, and hatred. It controls the planet Camazotz and serves as the manifestation of darkness that Meg must overcome.

  • the it
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • darkness
  • camazotz
Q7

Who are Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which?

Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which are the three astral travelers who guide Meg and her companions on their quest. Mrs. Whatsit embodies wisdom and hope, Mrs. Who conveys wisdom through quotes from various sources, and together they represent the fight of light against darkness.

  • mrs whatsit
  • mrs who
  • mrs which
  • astral travelers
  • guides
  • trio
Q8

Who is Meg Murry in A Wrinkle in Time?

Meg Murry is the protagonist of A Wrinkle in Time, a thirteen-year-old girl dealing with her father's mysterious disappearance while struggling at school. She evolves from having insecurities to becoming a brave hero who learns the power of love and forgiveness.

  • meg murry
  • protagonist
  • hero
  • storm reid
Q9

Who is Charles Wallace in A Wrinkle in Time?

Charles Wallace is Meg's brilliant younger brother who possesses a unique connection to the universe. He represents the innocence of childhood and the profound bond of sibling love, often serving as the connection between Meg and the astral travelers.

  • charles wallace
  • sibling
  • brother
  • innocence
Q10

What is the good vs evil theme in A Wrinkle in Time?

A Wrinkle in Time vividly portrays the struggle between good and evil through Meg's battles against The IT. The film shows how darkness can manifest in various forms and emphasizes the importance of resilience and strength in fighting against malevolence.

  • good vs evil
  • light vs dark
  • battle
  • the it
  • themes
Q11

What is Uriel in A Wrinkle in Time?

Uriel is a distant planet in A Wrinkle in Time that showcases the beauty of light and hope. It serves as a stark contrast to the dark environment of Camazotz, representing the possibility of redemption and the power of positivity in the universe.

  • uriel
  • planet
  • light
  • hope
  • setting
Q12

What kind of movie is A Wrinkle in Time?

A Wrinkle in Time is an adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy film with family elements. It features a hopeful tone with fast pacing and moderate complexity, combining classic sci-fi concepts like the Tesseract with a hero's journey that is accessible to broad audiences.

  • genre
  • adventure
  • sci-fi
  • fantasy
  • family
  • tone

Movie threads

More Movies Like A Wrinkle in Time, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes A Wrinkle in Time tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Young Hero Journeys like in A Wrinkle in Time

Young heroes embark on high-stakes quests to save something precious. Find movies like A Wrinkle in Time where young protagonists embark on epic quests. These similar fantasy and sci-fi stories feature high-stakes adventures, magical worlds, and themes of bravery and self-discovery that will appeal to fans of hopeful, fast-paced family films.

  • adventurous
  • hopeful
  • magical
  • inspiring
  • tense
  • quest-driven
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically begin with a call to adventure that pulls a young hero from their ordinary life into a vast, fantastical conflict. The journey is structured around a clear goal, often to rescue a person or save a world, requiring the hero to travel through wondrous and sometimes dangerous landscapes, face a powerful antagonist, and ultimately triumph through courage and an important personal realization.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a youthful perspective, a quest-driven plot, and the blend of high-concept adventure with accessible emotional themes. They create a specific feeling of empowerment and wonder, making them ideal for viewers seeking uplifting, adventurous stories.

Hopeful Space Fantasy Movies like A Wrinkle in Time

Hopeful sci-fi adventures where wonder outweighs darkness. Discover movies similar to A Wrinkle in Time that blend sci-fi concepts with a hopeful heart. If you liked its message of love conquering darkness during a cosmic journey, you'll enjoy these other inspiring adventures involving space travel, magical guides, and triumphant endings.

  • hopeful
  • wondrous
  • inspiring
  • dreamlike
  • magical
  • cosmic
  • Tone: hopeful, wondrous
  • Pacing: fast-paced, adventurous
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves characters traveling across cosmic landscapes or through dimensions, often guided by benevolent, mystical figures. The central conflict is typically against a non-physical, abstract force of negativity or conformity. The resolution is achieved not through violence, but through the affirmation of positive human emotions like love and individuality, leading to a cathartic and happy conclusion.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their unique tonal blend: they tackle conceptually big ideas and menacing forces but consistently maintain a hopeful, heartwarming core. They prioritize visual wonder and emotional payoff over grit or cynicism, creating a specific, uplifting subgenre of sci-fi and fantasy.

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Movies Like A Wrinkle in Time

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Every angle

A Wrinkle in Time (2018) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about A Wrinkle in Time in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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