“Martian Child” is one of the most touching films I’ve seen in a while.
John Cusack stars as David, a man whose wife died two years ago. She was adopted, and it had always been her dream to adopt a child too, and they had planned on it. But her unexpected death changed their plans. David thinks maybe he should go ahead and adopt without her, but he’s not sure if he can make that kind of commitment. As a bestselling science fiction novelist, he has a life of his own and isn’t sure that becoming a father is right for him.
But then he’s contacted about one very special little boy named Dennis who believes himself to be from Mars. Because David has a great imagination, the agency thinks he can help Dennis overcome his fear of the real world. David goes to meet Dennis, and finds himself fascinated by this child who stays in a box all day to avoid the sun’s rays. He brings Dennis some sunscreen, and they start to form a bond.
David brings Dennis home for a while as a trial, and thinks he can do some good for the boy. He’s patient and understanding, but weeks after weeks go by and Dennis still says he’s from Mars. David is starting to lose his patience, but one night when Dennis goes missing to try to find his way back to Mars, everything comes into crystal clear focus.
This movie was beautiful. I’ve always admired John Cusack as an actor, and now even more so. The relationship he develops on screen with this boy is sweet and powerful. Running beneath it all is the message that every child needs to be loved and nurtured, and that we need to cut all of our kids some slack as they try to figure out their place in the world. What a timely, important message.
This film is rated PG.
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