Meow (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds across two main locations: a typical suburban home on Earth where the Ng family lives, and Planet Meow, an ancient alien world with a king and advanced technology. The contrast between the familiar domestic setting and the distant feline planet creates the film's unique blend of family comedy and space opera.

Foreshadowing: The Earth setting is introduced from the start, showing how an alien guest disrupts an ordinary household.

• earth
• planet meow
• setting
• locations
• suburban home

The narrative spans two eras: an ancient period on Planet Meow when the king first sent messengers to Earth hinting at invasion, and the modern day on Earth where the invasion plan is finally executed. This timeline weaves together the mythical origins of the Meow species with present-day events.

• time period
• ancient meow
• modern earth
• timeline
• eras

Planet Meow is portrayed as a civilized, ancient alien world ruled by a king and equipped with powerful technology, including a divine device. It serves as the origin point for the Meow species, who traveled to Earth thousands of years ago and took the form of cats.

• planet meow
• alien world
• king
• divine device
• civilization

The movie explores three core themes: Invasion, which provides the outer conflict as Meow attempts to conquer Earth; Family, showing how an ordinary family's compassion can change a would-be conqueror; and Transformation, following a warrior's journey from invader to protector as he discovers empathy over conquest.

• themes
• invasion
• family
• transformation
• redemption

The Invasion theme drives the plot as Meow attempts to conquer Earth through strategic invasion, centering on a mission to retrieve a device that can resist Earth's defenses. This creates tension and stakes, though it ultimately serves as a backdrop for exploring personal bonds and redemption rather than a serious threat.

Foreshadowing: The invasion plot is introduced early when the Meow king reignites the ancient plan.

• invasion
• alien invasion
• mission
• device
• conquest

The Family theme shows how a warm, ordinary family hosts an alien visitor and reveals how compassion and trust can soften even a would-be conqueror. The Ng family's daily routines, love, and sincerity become the emotional core that reshapes the alien's motives, demonstrating the redemptive power of home.

• family
• ng family
• home
• compassion
• acceptance

The Transformation theme follows a warrior's arc shifting from invader to protector. After losing his divine device, the character must rely on wits and new human relationships. The encounter with love challenges his identity and ultimately leads him to choose empathy over conquest, changing his destiny.

• transformation
• warrior
• redemption
• growth
• identity

The key characters include the Ng family: Ng Sau-Lung the father, Ng Chow the mother, Ng Yau-Yau the younger daughter, and Ng Yau-Choi the elder son. The alien visitors are Pudding, the mighty Meow warrior sent to execute the invasion, and Sai-sai-lei, the warrior transformed into a cat who experiences personal growth.

• characters
• ng family
• pudding
• sai-sai-lei
• cast

Pudding is the bravest and mightiest Meow warrior chosen for Earth's invasion. He loses his divine device, which strips him of his powers and forces him to rely on his wits and new human relationships. His journey from invader to protector underlines the film's message about mercy and redemption.

• pudding
• meow warrior
• divine device
• invasion

Sai-sai-lei is a Meow warrior who is transformed into a giant fat cat after losing his divine powers. His experiences in the Ng household awaken compassion and reveal how kindness can alter a destiny of conquest. He ultimately regains his device but chooses a gentler path.

• sai-sai-lei
• warrior
• fat cat
• transformation
• growth

Ng Sau-Lung, played by Louis Koo, is the steady, family-oriented father who welcomes the alien guest into his home. He is pragmatic and protective, learning to navigate the tension between a normal life and extraordinary danger. His patience and care help soften the invader's resolve.

• ng sau-lung
• louis koo
• father
• family

Ng Chow, played by Ma Li, is the loving mother who provides a warm, supportive home. She balances practicality with compassion and gradually recognizes the alien visitor's humanity. Her warmth anchors the family and mirrors the film's theme that home life can change even a warrior's heart.

• ng chow
• ma li
• mother
• family

Meow is a family-friendly fantasy comedy that blends science fiction elements with heartwarming domestic storytelling. The tone is consistently whimsical due to its absurd premise of alien cats invading Earth, focusing on themes of family bonding and personal growth rather than conflict or tension.

• genre
• tone
• family movie
• comedy
• fantasy
• sci-fi

The tone is gentle and whimsical, suitable for family viewing without disturbing themes or strong violence. While the story contains an invasion threat, it serves as a backdrop for gentle humor and heartwarming moments rather than genuine tension. The overall feel is light and feel-good.

• tone
• mood
• family-friendly
• wholesome
• humor