Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’

11/22/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Phoenix Laroche and the Voice of Alex Lawther as William and The Velveteen Rabbit in ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

If there is one particular debate that comes up often amongst fans of stories, it would have to be… what makes a story truly timeless? Because what’s timeless to one person, isn’t timeless to another, and those conflicting criteria lead to the debate in question. One that is endless in nature, when it doesn’t need to be. Because believe it or not, there are simple elements to storytelling that allow for a book, movie, or short story, to live on forever. For instance… the story in question… must somehow resonate with people on a fundamental level, so that we all share in an emotional connection with said story.

Not to mention, it has to be a story that can fit in any era via messages that truly reflect the human condition and not the zeitgeist of an era. And if a story’s framework can achieve those two simple goals, it will indeed be timeless, and passed down from generation to generation. For its concepts will always find a way to connect with us and teach us lessons that fit the moment because it understands us. If anything, the lasting power of stories is top of mind today, simply because Apple TV+ has helped to give life to a powerful new adaptation of a classic and timeless story. For a fresh iteration of The Velveteen Rabbit is now on the network, and it is hands down, is the finest adaptation of the story to date, one that will ensure this story lives on for ages.

Which is saying something, since the story of young William and his Velveteen Rabbit that is eager to find life and root, has been around for a century now, and so many creative minds have put their particular spin upon it and those timeless elements that we find meaning and power within. And while this iteration of the story does feature some of that, since some of those concepts are that important to revisit… it also explores new concepts that are timely and important for young minds to ponder upon and for modern adults to revisit. To offer proper reflection and learning. But before we dive too deeply into those, let’s talk a bit about how this particular movie does indeed freshen up the story’s long-standing musings on the power of acceptance.

The Voices of Helena Bonham-Carter and Alex Lawther as Wise Horse and The Velveteen Rabbit in ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

For this particular story now uses both William and the Rabbit to ponder upon such matters. Giving rise to two sequences that adults and kids can easily relate to. Since William is indeed a bit of an outcast in this story because he moves to a new town and knows, no one, and that’s something kids have encountered and will encounter, when they move towns or perhaps start a new chapter in their schooling. And the Rabbit has to make new friends as well, in a sequence that can easily be compared to starting a new job for an adult, complete with the pretentious ‘club’ nature that the workplace sometimes harbors in this modern world. All of which maintains the core timeless nature of this story.

But once we get past the familiar stuff, does this film really shine. Because soon… it begins to explore some amazing concepts. Such as the power of unconditional love, and the importance of sacrifice when it comes to love and what that can accomplish for people in need. Plus, this is that rare story that bothers to point out that life evolves, and changes quicker than we’d like, but there’s little we can do about it. And that means we will sometimes see important people that mean the world to us, disappear from our lives because they were there for a season to teach us something valuable. Which is a very timely topic since the world is trying to better understand the dynamics of every relationship, we take part in.

All of which adds incredible depth to a true timeless classic and once again, makes this story timeless for another generation. All by revisiting what we know and by exploring concepts that we are just now beginning to ponder upon. But what matters most, is that this story provides us with a beautiful and moving experience that celebrates life, and all of its ups and downs, and it gives parents a chance to pass on this story to their kids and have incredible conversations about what they’ve just seen and help them process the power and the gravity, of a timeless story. One that captures the essence of our humanity and reminds us that we are beautiful works in progress, always chasing perfection and always hoping we will achieve it.

Watch ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’

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