Review // The Young and Prodigious T. S. Spivet

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet is the newest film from French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie, A Very Long Engagement). The delightful film is reminiscent of Amélie as it blends wonder and imagination into an enchanting adventure tale. But unlike his most famous work, this one is a tear jerker. I pride myself in not being overly sensitive but there are a few things I can’t handle and apparently a child trying to understand grief  is one of them.

The main character is T.S. Spivet (Kyle Catlett), a precocious ten year-old boy who lives on a Montana farm with his twin brother, the daredevil Layton (Jakob Davies); his older sister Gracie (Niamh Wilson), an aspiring actress; his mother (Helena Bonham Carter), a bug specialist and his father, the cowboy (Callum Keith Rennie). As the title suggests T.S. is both young and prodigious. His soaring intellect causes issues for him at school – where he is seen as a know-it-all by his teachers – and makes it painfully clear that he doesn’t quite fit in with his family, even though he clearly takes after his scientifically minded mother. Nevertheless he and his brother are inseparable, even if Layton doesn’t always understand what T.S. is talking about or if T.S. doesn’t have the courage for all of Layton’s adventures. When his brother dies accidentally T.S. is unable to make sense of his feelings of grief and loneliness. When he is named the recipient of the prestigious Baird Award from the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. T.S. takes a cross country road trip (solo and unbeknownst to his parents) to claim his prize and confess his guilt to the world.

While the premise of a child travelling cross country might seem a little far fetched, the film manages to make it believable by firmly establishing the world as seen through the eyes of the ten year old wunderkid.

Bonham Carter & Rennie are seasoned in their performances. Their characters could easily be played as two dimensional caricatures as seen through the eyes of T.S. but both manage to bring an emotional depth that shows parents struggling to maintain their lives after a great loss. Judy Davis is hilarious as the inept Simthsonian official and Rick Mercer has a (purposefully) cringe worthy turn as television host Roy. Catlett is charming as T.S. and rises to the challenge of leading the film at such a young age. 

While the premise of a child travelling cross country might seem a little far fetched, the film manages to make it believable by firmly establishing the world as seen through the eyes of the ten year old wunderkid. This choice in story telling allows for the magic realism of the film to be wholeheartedly embraced by viewers. Jeunet doesn’t shy away from spectacle either, taking full advantage of the 3D filming. What’s remarkable about the form of the film is that  T.S. excels at detailed observation, a trait that was adopted by cinematographer Thomas Hardmeier and production designer Aline Bonetto as every scene and setting is meticulously dressed and captured.

While the subject matter might be a little heavy for young audiences, The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet is a charming film, and well worth the watch for families with mature kids. Just be ready for that emotional punch in the gut.

Reviewed by Vithiya Murugadas.