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Gnome Alone (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Gnome Alone (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 89 min · English
Echo score 67
JustWatch #17,509 12
Directed by
Peter Lepeniotis, Shelly Shenoy
Starring
Jim Cummings, David Koechner, Josh Peck, Olivia Holt, Tara Strong, Nash Grier

After moving to a new city, Chloe finds friendship and comfort with a group of unusual garden gnomes. When otherworldly aliens threaten Earth, the gnomes unexpectedly come to life and enlist Chloe's help. Teaming up with her neighbor Liam, she must discover her own courage and work together with her tiny allies to save the world, learning that even when starting over, you can find strength and belonging.

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 Gnome Alone
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Gnome Alone (2017)

Where can you watch Gnome Alone? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Gnome Alone Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Gnome Alone (2017), 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.

  • Chloe

    Chloe is a resilient young girl who faces the challenges of navigating her new life in Tenderville. Initially eager to fit in, she evolves throughout the film, ultimately embracing her unique circumstances and discovering her inner strength. Her determination drives her to confront the magical chaos unleashed by the Keystone, showcasing her growth as both a friend and a hero.

    • 💪 Resilience
    • 💖 Growth
  • Catherine

    played by Tara Strong

    Catherine is Chloe's estranged mother who supports her daughter as they adjust to their new life together. Balancing work and family, she represents the challenges of parenthood and the importance of reconnecting with loved ones. Her character embodies warmth and understanding, providing a steady anchor for Chloe amidst the turmoil.

    • 👩‍👧 Family
    • 🏡 Home
  • Liam

    played by Josh Peck

    Liam is Chloe's awkward neighbor and classmate, who unexpectedly becomes her ally in the face of danger. His loyalty and comical demeanor offer comic relief while he grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Chloe. As they confront the Troggs together, he learns to embrace bravery, further deepening their connection.

    • 😄 Awkwardness
    • ❤️ Loyalty
  • Brittany

    played by Olivia Holt

    Brittany initially appears as a friend but quickly reveals her greed for the magical Keystone. Her character highlights the pitfalls of jealousy and competition among peers, leading to conflicts with Chloe. Despite her antagonistic role, she embodies the complexities of teenage relationships, serving as a foil to Chloe's growth.

    • 😒 Jealousy
    • 🌟 Rivalry
  • Zook

    played by George Lopez

    Zook is the gophers' leader and a pivotal ally to Chloe in her quest against the Troggs. With a combination of wit and wisdom, Zook helps navigate the challenges posed by the magical realm. His character embodies loyalty and camaraderie, representing the spirit of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.

    • 🏆 Leadership
    • 🦙 Willingness
  • Quicksilver

    played by Jeff Dunham

    Quicksilver is a playful and quirky gnome who helps Chloe understand the gravity of her actions regarding the Keystone. His mischievous nature adds levity to the plot while underscoring the gnomes' desire to protect their home. Quicksilver serves as a guide for Chloe, blending humor with essential wisdom.

    • 🎉 Fun
    • 🧚 Magic

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

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Setting

Where and When Does Gnome Alone Take Place?

The setting of Gnome Alone (2017): 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 story unfolds in a contemporary setting, resonating with modern-day themes of friendship and self-discovery. The events take place against the backdrop of a typical school life, where teenagers navigate social scenarios, emphasizing the integration of supernatural elements into everyday experiences.

Location

Tenderville

Tenderville is a grand estate filled with mystery and intrigue, serving as Chloe's new home. Known for its expansive grounds and twisting walls, it holds numerous secrets, including a concealed chamber that leads to magical adventures. The mansion’s unique architecture complements the captivating presence of the enigmatic gnomes who reside there.

  • 🏰 Estate
  • 🌳 Nature

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

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3 major themes

Gnome Alone Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Gnome Alone (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Magic

    Magic plays a central role in 'Gnome Alone' as Chloe inadvertently unleashes the powers of the Keystone, a gemstone that opens portals to another realm. This theme enriches the plot with fantastical elements that intertwine with reality, highlighting the intersection of the mundane and the extraordinary. The gnomes and Troggs embody the conflict between nature and destruction, drawing upon magical lore to enrich the storyline.

  • Friendship

    Friendship is a pivotal theme, as Chloe navigates her relationships with the BTCs and develops a bond with Liam. The film illustrates the challenges and transformations within friendships, particularly as she struggles between social acceptance and loyalty. Ultimately, Chloe learns the value of true friendship, especially through her reconnection with Liam after a series of trials.

  • Self-Discovery

    Chloe's journey is also about self-discovery as she faces the complexities of starting over in a new environment. From her initial desire to fit in with her peers to taking decisive action against the Troggs, she grows into a more confident individual. This theme emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self amid external pressures and emerging stronger through adversity.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

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Character & theme questions

Gnome Alone Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Gnome Alone (2017): 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 Gnome Alone set?

Gnome Alone is set at Tenderville, a grand estate filled with mystery and intrigue. The mansion features expansive grounds, twisting walls, and a concealed chamber that leads to magical adventures. This mysterious estate serves as Chloe's new home after moving to the city.

  • tenderville
  • setting
  • location
  • estate
  • mansion
  • garden gnomes
Q2

What time period is Gnome Alone set in?

Gnome Alone takes place in a contemporary, modern-day setting. The story unfolds against the backdrop of typical teenage school life, where teenagers navigate social scenarios while supernatural elements intrude on their everyday experiences.

  • time period
  • modern
  • contemporary
  • school
  • setting
Q3

What is the Keystone in Gnome Alone?

The Keystone is a magical gemstone that serves as a central plot device in Gnome Alone. It has the power to open portals to another realm. When Chloe inadvertently unleashes its powers, she sets in motion the events that bring the gnomes to life and attracts the threat of the Troggs.

  • keystone
  • gemstone
  • magic
  • portal
  • enchanted object
Q4

What are the Troggs in Gnome Alone?

The Troggs are the main antagonists in Gnome Alone, otherworldly alien creatures that threaten Earth. They represent destruction and serve as the dark force that the gnomes must battle. The gnomes and Troggs embody the conflict between nature and destruction, drawing upon magical lore.

  • troggs
  • villains
  • aliens
  • antagonists
  • enemies
  • threat
Q5

What are the gnomes in Gnome Alone?

The gnomes in Gnome Alone are magical garden statues that come to life when threatened. They reside at Tenderville and have their own leader, Zook, among others like Quicksilver. The gnomes possess magical abilities and act as guardians against the Troggs, representing nature and protection.

  • gnomes
  • garden gnomes
  • magical creatures
  • tenderville residents
  • protectors
Q6

What are the main themes in Gnome Alone?

Gnome Alone explores three central themes: Magic, Friendship, and Self-Discovery. Magic drives the fantastical plot involving the Keystone and otherworldly conflicts. Friendship focuses on Chloe's journey navigating relationships and loyalty. Self-Discovery follows Chloe's growth from wanting to fit in to embracing her unique circumstances and finding inner strength.

  • themes
  • magic
  • friendship
  • self-discovery
  • messages
  • meaning
Q7

Who is Chloe in Gnome Alone?

Chloe is the main protagonist of Gnome Alone, a resilient young girl who moves to Tenderville with her mother Catherine. Initially eager to fit in with her peers, she evolves throughout the film to embrace her unique circumstances and discover her inner strength, ultimately becoming the hero who saves both the magical realm and Earth.

  • chloe
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • hero
  • heroine
Q8

Who is Liam in Gnome Alone?

Liam is Chloe's awkward neighbor and classmate who becomes her ally in Gnome Alone. Initially providing comic relief with his comedic demeanor, he evolves to embrace bravery as he helps Chloe battle the Troggs. He also grapples with his burgeoning feelings for Chloe, and their partnership deepens through the trials they face together.

  • liam
  • neighbor
  • ally
  • friend
  • classmate
  • romantic interest
Q9

Who is Brittany in Gnome Alone?

Brittany initially appears as Chloe's friend at school but quickly reveals her true nature when she becomes greedy for the magical Keystone. Her character highlights the pitfalls of jealousy and competition among peers, serving as an antagonist and foil to Chloe's growth throughout the film.

  • brittany
  • antagonist
  • rival
  • villain
  • keystone
Q10

What is the message of Gnome Alone?

Gnome Alone delivers a hopeful message about embracing who you truly are and finding belonging in unexpected places. Through Chloe's journey, the film shows that even when starting over in a new environment, you can discover inner strength and find friendship and community. The story emphasizes that true friendship and courage come from being authentic rather than trying to fit in.

  • message
  • meaning
  • moral
  • takeaway
  • life lesson
  • hope
Q11

What type of movie is Gnome Alone?

Gnome Alone is an animated film blending fantasy, comedy, and adventure genres. It features a whimsical tone centered on living garden gnomes and playful threats like the Troggs. The movie balances occasional tension with a generally lighthearted, fun atmosphere while delivering a positive, unambiguously happy ending.

  • animated
  • animation
  • genre
  • tone
  • whimsical
  • family-friendly

Movie threads

More Movies Like Gnome Alone, by Mood & Story

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

Quirky Found Family Stories like Gnome Alone

Unlikely heroes team up with oddball allies to protect their home from playful threats. Discover movies like Gnome Alone where quirky allies and a newfound family unite to save the day. These films blend lighthearted fun with adventurous stakes, often featuring animation, supernatural elements, and a hopeful message about friendship and courage.

  • whimsical
  • adventurous
  • lighthearted
  • hopeful
  • quirky
  • fun
  • Tone: whimsical, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist, often feeling isolated or new to their surroundings, who discovers a hidden world or secret allies. A non-threatening but urgent external conflict forces them to rely on their new, unconventional friends. The story balances personal growth with action-packed sequences, culminating in a victory that solidifies the bonds of the found family.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core theme of finding strength in unexpected friendships. They maintain a whimsical tone and light emotional weight, even during moments of medium-intensity action, ensuring the experience remains fun and uplifting from start to finish.

Energetic Animated Adventures like Gnome Alone

Fast-paced stories about kids finding courage and friendship after a big life change. If you liked the fast-paced fun and new beginnings in Gnome Alone, explore these similar animated movies. They feature kids on exciting journeys of self-discovery, combining lively action with heartfelt themes of friendship and adjusting to a new life.

  • energetic
  • hopeful
  • lighthearted
  • adventurous
  • fun
  • coming of age
  • Tone: lighthearted, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, escalating
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives begin with a relatable personal challenge, such as adjusting to a new environment. A sudden, high-stakes adventure interrupts this normalcy, forcing the protagonist to step up. The external plot directly parallels their internal journey, with each action sequence building their confidence and strengthening new bonds, leading to a happy resolution of both conflicts.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their consistently energetic pacing and lighthearted handling of 'coming of age' themes. They share a straightforward plot structure, a medium intensity level that keeps viewers engaged without overwhelming them, and an overwhelmingly positive, hopeful atmosphere.

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Movies Like Gnome Alone

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Every angle

Gnome Alone (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Gnome Alone 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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