Watch A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time is a science fiction-fantasy film that premiered in 2003, adapted from Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved 1962 novel of the same name. The story weaves a cosmic adventure with a tale of family, love, and the battle between good and evil. Directed by John Kent Harrison, the film stars Katie Stuart as Meg Murry, David Dorfman as Charles Wallace Murry, and Gregory Smith as Calvin O'Keefe.

The film follows the journey of young Meg Murry, an intelligent but struggling teenage girl with self-doubt and feelings of not fitting in at her school. Her father, Dr. Jack Murry, a renowned scientist played by Chris Potter, mysteriously disappeared over a year ago, leaving the Murry family in distress and the cause of his disappearance a puzzling question. Meg's mother, Dr. Kate Murry, portrayed by Sarah-Jane Redmond, is also a brilliant scientist and struggles to cope with the absence of her husband.

Meg's younger brother, Charles Wallace, is a prodigious five-year-old boy whose intelligence and perception seem almost supernatural. He has a unique understanding of the universe and an unusual way of connecting with people on a deep, empathic level. Charles Wallace introduces Meg and her schoolmate Calvin O'Keefe, a popular boy who harbors his own insecurities, to three mysterious beings who will change the course of their lives: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which.

These three eccentric characters—played by Alison Elliott, Alfre Woodard, and Kate Nelligan, respectively—reveal themselves to be celestial guides with unusual and quirky personalities. They possess the ability to "tesser," or fold space and time, granting them the capability to travel across galaxies in the blink of an eye. The enigmatic trio informs the children that there exists a darkness spreading throughout the cosmos, manifest as a malicious force called the Black Thing. It is suggested that this same darkness may be connected to Dr. Murry’s disappearance.

Dr. Murry, it turns out, had been experimenting with concepts related to time travel and had successfully "tessered" himself to different dimensions. However, during his explorations, he became trapped on a distant planet governed by the Black Thing's influence. The children are tasked with a perilous mission: to save Dr. Murry and confront the evil that is consuming the universe.

Aided by the wisdom and powers of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin embark on an intergalactic quest. Their journey takes them through worlds far beyond their wildest imaginations, from planets abundant in celestial beauty to those under the shadow of darkness and oppression. During their quest, they encounter various beings, some helpful and others perilous.

One of the central themes of the film is the power of love and the strength that comes from accepting our faults and embracing our individuality. Meg, as the heroine, discovers the fortitude in her own flaws and uses her newfound inner strength to overcome the trials she faces. Beyond being a simple quest to save her father, the adventure becomes a transformative experience for Meg, who learns about the significance of love, trust, and loyalty.

While A Wrinkle in Time is a family-friendly narrative, it grapples with complex concepts like tesseracts (wrinkles in time that enable teleportation across the universe), the battle between light and shadow, and the idea that love can transcend space and time. It also handles topics of self-esteem and bullying sensitively, portraying the young characters’ growth as they learn to believe in themselves and stand up for what is right, even in the face of profound adversity.

The 2003 adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time delivers a blend of adventure, fantasy, and philosophical ideas wrapped in a visual spectacle that emphasizes special effects and otherworldly landscapes. While the film may deviate from the source material in some respects, it endeavors to remain true to the spirit and moral lessons of L’Engle’s original novel, offering viewers—a particularly younger audience—an introduction to the concept of speculative fiction and the wonders of the universe.

Though A Wrinkle in Time received mixed reviews upon its release, its commitment to translating the novel’s rich narrative onto the screen remains a valiant effort to bring a classic and thought-provoking tale to life. Fans of the book and newcomers alike can appreciate the film's attempt to explore the themes of love, the vastness of the universe, and the potential within each person to effect positive change, no matter how daunting the darkness they must confront.

A Wrinkle in Time is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.