Troop Zero (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in Wiggly, a quiet rural town in Georgia. The setting is characterized by modest trailers, local schools, and a close-knit community atmosphere that reflects typical small-town Southern life.

• wiggly georgia
• rural town
• southern setting
• small town

The film is set in 1977, during the height of the Apollo space missions. This era was marked by cultural fascination with space exploration and science, which directly influences the characters' aspirations and dreams.

• 1977
• 1970s
• space race era
• nostalgic setting
• apollo missions

Christmas Flint is the film's protagonist, a hopeful and imaginative young girl who dreams of communicating with aliens. She feels alienated in her rural community but remains resilient, compassionate, and persistent in pursuing her aspirations despite societal rejection.

• christmas flint
• protagonist
• main character
• young girl
• dreamer

Miss Rayleen is Christmas's mentor, played by Viola Davis. She is a former lawyer who harbors regrets about her past but remains caring and ambitious. Her involvement with the Birdie Scout troop reflects her desire to reconnect with her passion for law while supporting the girls' dreams.

• miss rayleen
• mentor
• viola davis
• teacher
• supportive adult

The Birdie Scouts are a scouting troupe that Christmas assembles to pursue her goal of being recorded on NASA's Golden Record. The group consists of fellow misfits and outcasts who form unlikely friendships through their shared competition.

• birdie scouts
• scouting troupe
• misfits
• group formation
• friendship

The film explores three core themes: dreams and aspirations despite obstacles, acceptance and friendship among outcasts, and space as a metaphor for exploring the unknown. The story champions inclusive friendship beyond social norms and emphasizes perseverance leading to unexpected success.

• themes
• dreams
• friendship
• acceptance
• space exploration
• aspirations

Space serves as a metaphor for exploring the unknown and breaking boundaries. The characters' fascination with space symbolizes their hopes and fears, motivating them to challenge limitations and seek validation through the grand cosmic stage.

• space metaphor
• exploration
• cosmic
• boundaries
• dreams
• unknown

Ramsey Flint is Christmas's father, played by Jim Gaffigan. He is a practical yet supportive father who becomes the Birdie Scout troop leader to help his daughter achieve her dreams, demonstrating his commitment despite financial and societal challenges.

• ramsey flint
• father
• jim gaffigan
• parent
• supportive family

Principal Massey, played by Allison Janney, is the strict school principal who enforces rules but shows glimpses of understanding. Her skepticism toward the girls' ambitious goals contrasts with her underlying desire to see them succeed, representing the challenges of authority figures nurturing youth.

• principal massey
• allison janney
• authority
• school
• antagonist

Rural Georgia is portrayed as a tight-knit community with Southern charm, characterized by modest trailers, local schools, and strong local traditions. The setting reflects a typical small-town atmosphere where community bonds are strong but aspirations may be limited by societal expectations.

• rural georgia
• southern community
• small town life
• local traditions
• tight-knit