Six Things You Need to Know Before Seeing "A Wrinkle in Time"

The new adaptation of the beloved book A Wrinkle in Time is coming to Australian cinemas soon, with actors Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine all onboard.

Growing up, I read A Wrinkle in Time and was reminded how we’re all searching for ourselves in different ways. This book is especially important to teens, as it shows you don’t have to fight your battles alone (which, in a way, probably resonates with everyone at some point or another in their lives).   

The film is sure to bring anyone who’s read the book back down memory lane, and demonstrate that you’re never too young to stand up for what you believe in.

But what if you’ve never read the book before? Don’t stress. Here’s everything you need to know.

Okay, what is A Wrinkle in Time even about?

It tells the story of a normal young girl, her brother and her best friend, who travel to the fifth dimension in search for the siblings' lost father (a scientist who first discovered the fifth dimension and made it his mission to get there). On their journey, they are guided by three astral travelers, who help them through the dangers that lay ahead.

Is it a standalone book?

Not at all. A Wrinkle in Time is just the first part of a five-book series known as the Time Quintet saga. This series was written by Madeleine L’Engle, with the first book published in 1962 and the last in 1989. The series also includes A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters and An Acceptable Time. So, expect some sequels.

Wait, has Disney already made this movie before?

Yes! Disney originally released an adaptation straight to TV in 2003. However, this version was not very successful, and even L’Engle was disappointed with the outcome.

Does this new Wrinkle break some stereotypes?

Of course. This latest Disney flick sparked a lot of positive talk by casting an actress of colour—Storm Reid—in the lead role. They also provided a more realistic outlook on family life by having an interracial couple as the main parents. Disney recently broke some barriers with Black Panther too, proving diversity isn’t just great for representation, but for the box office as well.

Who’s directing it?

Ava DuVernay (Selma) becomes the first woman of colour to direct a live-action film with a budget greater than $US100 million with A Wrinkle in Time. This is a big breakthrough in Disney’s history, while also reiterating the story’s message: that people can ultimately achieve their greatest dreams.

So lovely. Happily saluting the great @MadeleineLEngle who created a brave heroine for us to look up to. #megmurry https://t.co/5I3VgUmtGv

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 7, 2018

Will it live up to all our expectations?

That’s harder to say. There have been some mixed reactions toward the film based on early reviews, which range from people loving the movie to people thinking it’s complete nonsense. One of the main complaints is that it strays from the original books and relies too heavily on CGI to create its magic. If only the author of the book series was alive to see the creation and give us her opinion. I guess we'll just have to make up our own minds when it arrives in cinemas 29 March.

Photo: Disney