We Bought a Zoo

The family moves to a dilapidated zoo in England that Benjamin Mee purchases. The zoo had been closed and abandoned, housing over 200 animals. This location becomes the central setting where the family works to restore it to its former glory while rebuilding their lives.

The zoo was in a state of disrepair and had been closed down. Benjamin Mee saw potential in the struggling zoo and decided to purchase it as a way to create a new beginning for his family. The film portrays the physical restoration of the zoo paralleling the family's emotional healing.

The film is set in contemporary times without specifying a distinct time period. The story unfolds through the seasons, highlighting both the physical transformation of the zoo and the emotional journey of the family as they adapt to their new life.

The movie explores three major themes: renewal, love and loss, and self-discovery. Renewal focuses on rebuilding lives after profound loss. Love and loss examines grief while honoring the past. Self-discovery follows each family member's journey of personal growth through courage and resilience.

The zoo represents hope and renewal for the family. Benjamin's decision to purchase and restore it symbolizes his desire to create new beginnings for himself and his children. The physical revitalization of the zoo mirrors the family's emotional healing and their journey toward finding joy again.

The film addresses grief through Benjamin's memories of his late wife, Katherine, interwoven with his journey toward new relationships. It explores the balance between cherishing those lost and finding ways to live fully in the present. The zoo project becomes a therapeutic outlet for processing loss while creating new family memories.

Benjamin Mee is a widowed father trying to raise his two children, Dylan and Rosie, while coping with the loss of his wife. He demonstrates resilience and determination by purchasing the zoo as a way to turn his family's life around. His growth reveals deeper insights about courage, love, and family bonding.

Kelly Foster is the zoo's head caretaker, embodying passion and commitment to the animals. She becomes a crucial source of support for Benjamin, helping him with both the zoo operations and navigating his grief. Her character represents the possibility of new relationships forming from shared goals and mutual respect.

Dylan is Benjamin's 14-year-old son who struggles with feelings of loss and displacement during the family upheaval. He uses art as an emotional outlet to cope with his feelings and finds comfort in new friendships. His character arc reflects the challenges of adolescence amidst family change and his eventual growth through resilience.

Rosie is Benjamin's 7-year-old daughter who serves as a beacon of innocent hope and joy. Her excitement about the zoo symbolizes new beginnings and reminds the audience of the importance of childlike wonder in facing adversity. Her character brings light to the family's somber reality and represents the potential for renewed happiness.

The film centers on the message of '20 seconds of courage', the idea that taking a brief moment of bravery can change the course of one's life. This theme runs throughout as Benjamin must repeatedly find the courage to face challenges, pursue new relationships, and ultimately open his heart to new experiences despite fear and grief.

The film is classified as a Drama with Comedy elements. Its tone is primarily hopeful, balancing the significant backdrop of grief with uplifting moments of success, connection, and animal antics. The emotional weight remains medium, as lighter scenes are interspersed with family conflicts and the challenges of zoo restoration, resulting in an ultimately uplifting and heartwarming story.