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Five Children and It

Name: Five Children and It
Director: John Stephenson
Released: 2004
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

2004

Director

John Stephenson

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This adaptation of the classic tale prioritizes historical fidelity and traditional moral storytelling. It mirrors the social constraints of the Edwardian era without challenging them. The film relies on established social hierarchies and Western values, offering character development within the fantasy genre but lacking the intention to disrupt conventional clichés or introduce progressive identity politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Five Children and It have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to a traditional framework that assumes everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Five Children and It portray gender?

Fair

Female characters like Anthea and Jane play significant roles in driving the story and pass the Bechdel test. However, the story maintains traditional gender roles and masculine leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Five Children and It?

Minimal

The casting and setting reflect a homogeneous, Anglo-Saxon demographic. The narrative focuses on the social constraints of the era without incorporating diverse characters.

How does Five Children and It represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story reinforces a stable moral order through cautionary tales, portraying the family unit and parental authority as positive elements of society.

Does Five Children and It include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters are portrayed through a typical lens of childhood development.

Present on Screen

Female characters play significant roles in driving the story and pass the Bechdel test.
The narrative provides meaningful character development within its fantasy genre.
The film successfully passes the Bechdel test through its female leads.

Limited or Absent

The casting lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a homogeneous demographic.
The film adheres to traditional gender roles without subverting masculine leadership.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.

Official Synopsis

The Psammead is an 'it', an ancient, ill-tempered sand-fairy with a spider-shaped body, bat-like ears, and snail-like eyes. It is grumpy but has the power to grant one wish a day, which must be made before sunset. Five siblings—Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and infant Hilary—encounter It and experience the highs and lows of frivolous wish-making.

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