A group of extraterrestrial scientists are exploring a
forest in California. To avoid discovery, they hurriedly reboard their
spaceship and depart, but they unintentionally leave behind one of their own.
The alien left behind goes into hiding, but is discovered by ten-year-old
Elliot, who finds him in a shed in his yard. Elliot lives with his mother Mary,
teenage brother Michael and five-year-old sister Gertie; his father has
recently left the family to be in another relationship, and Mary is still angry
and sad about this. Elliot, Michael and Gertie try to hide the alien, who identifies
himself as E.T., and caring for her draws them together.
E.T. and Elliot develop a very close, perhaps
telesympathetic connection through which Elliot feels E.T.’s feelings, and this
often results in Elliot acting erratically. E.T. expresses a desire to contact
his people so that he can return home; Elliot and his siblings try to help him
do this, but they must race against E.T.’s declining health, and against the
government agents who want to examine this newly-discovered alien.
E.T. recently was brought back into theaters by Fathom
Events in honor of its 35th anniversary. This week, Fathom Events is
showing Mully Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings in theaters throughout
the US. Mully is the story of “The world’s largest family,” and it will be
reviewed here soon. One of Fathom Events’ next features to revisit the big
screen will be The Princess Bride. Find out more here...
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **
The Adoption
Connection
Elliot’s family is grieving the departure of their father.
E.T. reminds me of how a child might experience their
journey through foster care towards reunification. E.T. has been separated from
his family, and he longs to go back to them. Some government officials appear
to be obstacles in his way to reunification, and there’s a lot to be
accomplished before he can go home. He
lives with a family that takes care of him, helps him, and supports his
reunification, and eventually, with their help and with the help of one
friendly governmental official, E.T. is able to go back home. He will always remember
his time with Elliot’s family, and Elliot will always remember him.
Strong Points
Although they have had some conflict, Elliot, Mike and
Gertie work together very well to help care for E.T.
When Elliot is away overnight, his mother is visibly
distressed; she gladly welcomes him back home.
Challenges
There are some moments that could be frightening to young
children; police offers have rifles ready to stop Elliot and E.T. from
escaping. Some kids could be scared by what appears to be a home invasion by
government agents.
E.T. and Elliot both appear to approach death. I imagine
many kids will cry at this scene.
Recommendations
E.T.is a classic film. Kids with experience of foster care
or adoption might relate to E.T.’s separation from his family, and his eventual
return there. There are some scary moments, and some sad moments, but E.T. is
overall a magical story filled with love. Some kids may be triggered by the
concept of E.T.’s separation from his family or Elliot’s separation from his
father, or by the apparent death of E.T.
For other kids, this film will be memorable, and it could be an entryway
into conversations about longing to return home while also building trusting
relationships with a new family. E.T suggests that even if you live somewhere
only temporarily, the relationships can be lifelong.
Questions for
Discussion
What did E.T. feel like before Elliot found him? What helped
him to feel safe with Elliot?
Do you think E.T. and Elliot will remember each other for a
long time?
Elliot and E.T.’s brains and feelings matched each other. Is
there anyone whose feelings match yours
most of the time?
If you could ride a flying bike, where would you go?
No comments:
Post a Comment