Are all Disney movies pure fairy tales? Disney's Pete's Dragon immediately evokes a fascinating true story for me. A few years ago, my husband and I were vacationing in southern France. We had planned to visit a local snail farm, but an elderly local grumbled that it was closed. Half a kilometer later, we stumbled upon a lush forest and decided to explore. It proved to be an unexpected highlight: we learned about l'enfant sauvage, or the feral child known as Victor of Aveyron. Discovered around age 10 by hunters in 1800, Victor crawled on all fours, made wild gestures, and couldn't speak.
He was about ten years old, surviving on berries and nuts, with no human socialization—possibly raised by wolves. It reads like a fairy tale, and Disney clearly drew inspiration from it. Watching the trailer for Pete's Dragon, I thought, This feels familiar—Disney reimagines L'Enfant Sauvage.
Disney's Pete's Dragon premieres in Dutch cinemas on October 5. It follows Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), a charming redheaded forester who roams the woods daily. One day, she encounters Peter, a mysterious homeless boy. Unlike Victor, Peter wasn't raised by wolves—Disney amps up the magic with his companion: a dragon named Elliot. True to Disney form, Elliot is a gentle giant, like the Big Friendly Giant, though best not angered (as with any fire-breather).
Local legends speak of a ferocious dragon terrorizing the area, spun by woodcarver Meacham. Village kids, including Grace, grew up on these tales. Peter's description of Elliot matches the beast perfectly, leaving Grace skeptical. She teams up with friend Natalie to uncover the truth—some secrets are too big to hide. Just how dangerous is Elliot?
Pete's Dragon delivers another captivating Disney adventure for kids who crave excitement, plus parents and grandparents. With Robert Redford as the wise woodcarver Meacham, it boasts Hollywood pedigree. And for skeptics: it's rooted in reality (minus the dragon). Search 'Victor of Aveyron' to learn more!
Prepare for tears—this is a certified tearjerker. Joyce watched with her family; despite the cozy photo, she emerged with red-rimmed eyes.
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