Phoenix Wilder is 13 years old. His parents have died, and
he lives in an uncaring foster home until he is able to fly to Africa to live
with his Aunt Sarah and her husband Jack. While on safari with Jack and his
company, Phoenix is separated from the party and is lost in the wilderness. He frees
a bull elephant, and Phoenix and the elephant travel together. Together they
work to try to stop elephant poachers while Sarah, Jack, and government forces
try to locate Phoenix.
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **
The Adoption
Connection
Phoenix’s parents have died. He is briefly in an uncaring
foster home, and then travels a great distance to live with his aunt and her husband.
Phoenix and his aunt mourn their loss together.
Strong Points
Phoenix and his aunt are able to grieve together. Sarah
assures Phoenix that she misses her sister, and affirms “You and I will be OK.
We’re gonna get through this and be a family.” Phoenix is brave in the face of
adversity. His loss of his own parents causes him to demonstrate empathy when
he perceives that another character has suffered a similar loss. Phoenix’s uncle
ultimately decides to be trustworthy.
Challenges
There are some elements that could be troubling for some
young viewers: Phoenix is separated from Jack and spends a considerable amount of
time alone in the wilderness. He is kidnapped by poachers, but manages to
escape. Then, Phoenix learns that his aunt’s husband is in league with the
poachers. Although Uncle Jack finally sees the error of his ways and saves
Phoenix, Phoenix has still faced the danger of death due to poachers and due to
prolonged exposure to the wild. At one point, it seems that Uncle Jack has
information that could save Phoenix, but he chooses not to pass it on to the
other searchers because it would compromise the poachers. Kids who have been
neglected, kids who have experienced or witnessed violence, and kids who have
had untrustworthy guardians or foster parents, and kids who have been separated
from their caretakers could be triggered at certain points in the film.
Recommendations
Phoenix Wilder could be triggering for some younger viewers,
and it’s written in a way that might not appeal to many viewers over age 14 or
15. For kids ages 9-12, with parental guidance, it could be a positive picture
of a young teenager perseveres in the face of adversity even after losing his
parents. When coupled with the love of animals that is common in this age
group, Phoenix could be a sympathetic hero for some.
Questions for
Discussion
What is the bravest thing Phoenix did?
Moving forward, what needs to happen for Phoenix to be able
to trust Uncle Jack?
Why did Phoenix love his elephant so much?
Other Ideas
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