A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L’Engle’s classic book, A Wrinkle in Time, and its sequels have inspired young readers since 1962. Its timeless theme is the battle between good and evil, light and darkness. The protagonist, Meg Murry, goes on a quest to save her father from a dark power and bring him home. In addition to her friend Calvin, and her brother, Meg is assisted in her quest by three guides – who come to her in the guise of middle-aged women. On March 9, L’Engle’s story comes to the big screen with a Disney production of A Wrinkle in Time.
FAITH talked with Storm Reid, who plays Meg, about her role in the movie.
Madeleine L’Engle’s classic book, A Wrinkle in Time, and its sequels have inspired young readers since 1962. Its timeless theme is the battle between good and evil, light and darkness. The protagonist, Meg Murry, goes on a quest to save her father from a dark power and bring him home. In addition to her friend Calvin, and her brother, Meg is assisted in her quest by three guides – who come to her in the guise of middle-aged women. On March 9, L’Engle’s story comes to the big screen with a Disney production of A Wrinkle in Time.
FAITH talked with Storm Reid, who plays Meg, about her role in the movie.
What was the best thing about playing the part of Meg?
What part of her character do you relate to personally? The best part of playing Meg was putting myself in Meg’s shoes – she feels worthless at the beginning of the book, but really grows as a person, and learns to fight the darkness and save her father. It reinforced the message that if I stay positive and have faith, I can ultimately change the world. I’m so glad I got the chance to play Meg – I resonate with her.
Had you read the book and how closely does the script follow it?
Yes, I read A Wrinkle in Time in sixth grade for a book report and was excited when I got the audition in eighth grade. I loved the story! I feel like the movie sticks to the book a lot, because we didn’t want to change the meaning or background of what A Wrinkle in Time is. There are some changes the director made, but we stuck to what people love about the book.
How did you prepare for this role?
I basically created my own back story and details about what Meg would be going through. I “became” Meg for the next six months. I had a lot of conversations with myself and with the director – really breaking apart Meg’s character and adding my own creative aspects of who Meg was.
What did you learn about the concept of self-sacrificial love from the story?
Meg sacrifices herself a lot because of love, particularly for the love she has for her father and her little brother, Charles Wallace. I experienced firsthand that you have to make sacrifices for the people you love – Meg puts her life and her love on the line to get her father back and make her mother happy. It really reinforced for me that if you have faith, you’ll ultimately succeed in love.
What do you think people your age will like best about the movie?
I think they’ll enjoy that there is a lot of action because it’s a sci-fi movie with some really cool effects. But I think my friends and other people my age also will be inspired by Meg – she inspires me as she finds a way to follow the good and to be a light in the universe.
What do you especially want people to know about the movie?
A Wrinkle in Time is a wonderful story and is about embracing who you are and finding the strength within yourself. And don’t forget to go see it on March 9!
A Wrinkle in Time, starring Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine and Zach Galifianakis, will be in theaters March 9.