Why Boys Need to See A Wrinkle in Time

While A Wrinkle in Time is a science fiction story with a girl as its protagonist, it should go without saying that children and adults of any gender can enjoy and identify with the time-bending adventure. More than that, however, actor Zach Galifianakis, who plays The Happy Medium (a character who is a woman in the book), gave a very important reason for why boys and young men should definitely see A Wrinkle in Time.   

“I think when you’re a stand-up comic, you have a… not a chip on your shoulder, but that’s where you come from and to be involved in such a big, big movie like this, it makes me… I feel real proud,” said Galifianakis during a press conference for the movie held at Hollywood’s W Hotel. Galifianakis got choked up when talking ahout working with director Ava DuVernay and the other cast gathered to create this film.

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“I can’t really talk about it without getting emotional. When I first met Ava, there was something about her that made me… I don’t know what it was, emotional,” continued Galifianakis, noting how important that kind of emotionality is, both in life and on-screen. His comments touched on the importance of boys and young men seeing alternate models of masculinity. In A Wrinkle in Time, this manifests in both Happy Medium, a character who isn’t afraid to be emotional, and with Meg Murry’s travel companion, Calvin, a teen boy who is perfectly comfortable following the lead of a teen girl, her little brother, and a bunch of witchly women.

DuVernay notes that Galifianakis was one of the first people who commented on the importance of this film for boys and young men.

“We talk a lot about girls seeing the film, but [Zach] was the first person to say, ‘This is something for boys, too. Boys need to be able to see themselves as vulnerable and themselves being able to follow a girl and not always having to be macho,” said DuVernay.

“It’s nice for young boys and young men to see that it’s OK to have a sensitive side,” said Galifianakis, who noted that, generally, this can lead to teasing. “That [vulnerability] means they’re stronger to me. I wish we could change that. I come from a very masculine upbringing, and a lot of people do, and I’m very happy with… I love the way I was raised, but looking back… We need balance. It’s time for balance. I think that’s what the Happy Medium is about.”

A Wrinkle in Time is now playing.