In 2004 the world was introduced to the Incredibles! This was before the rise of superhero films like The Dark Knight Trilogy and universes such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Incredibles was a breath of fresh air, it felt like a family drama dressed as a superhero movie. There was no intergalactic threat, no subplots for lesser-known superheroes, just a family trying to make a living with a blast from the past showing up in the process.
Heroes and villains are usually perceived as godly beings or people who are perceived as extraordinary. However, with both Incredibles films the heroes and villains are much more relatable, and they weren’t made to be dumbed down for the children either. They were made for families of all shapes and sizes can feel like they know them.
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl are the matriarch and patriarch of this superhero family. Mr. Incredible is going through identity issues, he’s a superhero who isn’t allowed to be a superhero. Elastigirl is attempting to get on by without any need for superheroes. Then there’s Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack who are brought up to be themselves first and heroes second. The family doesn’t start as heroes, in fact, they start as very dysfunctional as any ordinary family should be. The plot has them to come together as a family first and then deal with the threat of a supervillain later, and this is where the films succeed.
“After all, I’m your number fan,” is spoken by Syndrone in the first Incredibles film, and with this line comes the realisation that Buddy, the kid that idolized Mr. Incredible, has grown up to become a villain. The consequence is a major theme between both Incredibles films, and Mr. Incredible’s rejection of Buddy has created this major consequence for the whole family. Villains need motivation and motivation is usually personal, which is why the first film worked on so many levels. This wasn’t just a superhero film, it was a super FAMILY film.
In Incredibles 2, we witness the rise of Elastigirl and how the world has changed around her. She’s a mother and as a mother, she’s always there to protect her kids, so having Screenslaver as the villain almost seems like a metaphor of a mum stopping her kids from being glued to television screens and phones too. Screenslaver isn’t a relatable villain though until we figure out the mastermind behind the villain is Evelyn Deavor (notice, when spoken her name, sounds like an evil endeavor).
The Incredibles have faced threats that affect their family dynamic and have helped them evolve as people as they learn to be better people and more importantly better heroes too. Pixar is a studio that thrives off storytelling and both Incredibles films are so rewarding in terms of storytelling, as it feels like two parts of a whole. So don’t go holding out for an Incredibles 3 anytime soon!
Thanks for reading today's blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
Comments