Don’t worry, there are no spoilers.
In 2003, the world was introduced to some of the most iconic animated characters— Marlin, Nemo, Mr. Ray, Crush, Squirt.. with so many others. And of course, the unforgettable, Dory.
Her popularity in the following years created a colossus request in fans for Pixar to create another Finding Nemo, bringing back all the favorite characters to the big screen. And though some 13 years later, the sequel recently released isn’t centered around Nemo being lost yet again at sea, the gang returns with the story focused on Dory as the lead character in Finding Dory.
But the main focus, that caught my attention while watching the film the first weekend it opened, was the approached subject of mental illness. Dory is hilariously forgetful, as she suffers from short-term memory loss and we see a glimpse of her condition in Finding Nemo. The movie really dives in deeper into her mind and what she really experiences as a small fish in a big ocean.
It’s a bit heavy for a children’s movie, as the entire plot is centered around Dory and her disability to remember her family. The movie shows clips of her as a child and her parents explaining her special condition. Though she repeats what her parents tell her, she doesn’t fully grasp it, which is similar to many kids with mental illnesses. In fact, a lot of Dory’s disability is incredibly relatable to children with mental disabilities.
As an adult, Dory creates tension with her creative imagination, that isn’t always the most thought-out. There are moments that Dory shows signs of panicking due to her disability, but if anything, the movie teaches that her best friends and family will always be there for her. The subtle anxiety can really hit home with people who also know what it’s like to begin panicking due to the uneasiness created from their own mind.
The struggles Dory faces with short-term memory loss can be reflected in different mental challenges that include anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, dementia, and many more. Dory shows signs in the movie of feeling like an obligation to Marlin and her other friends, and it’s common for many people with mental illnesses to tend to believe they are a burden and will repeatedly apologize for the extra care they require. However, the movie does justice in proving that the people around you will travel across the ocean for you and love you unconditionally.
Finding Dory brings awareness to mental illness in children, which is sometimes swept under the rug. Disney did a great job of bringing appropriate humor while also being completely respectful of the subject. Disney has once again created an inspiring and welcoming film for people with disabilities to enjoy. Film fans everywhere will certainly enjoy the heroic tale of Dory.
