Monday, August 13, 2018
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again - Adoption Movie Review
A year after her mother’s death, Sophie intends to re-open
her mother’s hotel. Sophie’s mother, Donna, was never sure who Sophie’s father
was, but all three possible fathers took an active role in Sophie’s life, and
continue to serve as supportive fathers to her even now that she is grown. As
Sophie deals with the stress of reopening the hotel, we see interspersed scenes
of Donna’s life when she was Sophie’s age, settling on the island, dreaming of
opening the hotel, and dealing with an unexpected and largely unsupported
pregnancy.
**SPOILER ALERT**** By the end of the film, Sophie learns that she
is pregnant – and although this helps her feel closer to her mother, she
realizes that, unlike her mother, she is supported by a boyfriend and her three
fathers, and she will not have to do this alone. ***END SPOILER***
The Adoption
Connection
Some people, including people touched by adoption, may
relate to Sophie’s situation; several people have entered her life as
supportive parental figures, but she is not certain who her biological father
is. However, all of her father figures have learned to work together and have
become friends in support of Sophie. This is an ideal outcome, and a similar
outcome, although more specific to adoption (and more likely to appeal to
kids), was presented in Kung Fu Panda 3.
Strong Points
I really like how supportive Sophie’s three dads are of her,
and how they have generally learned to treat each other as family as well; they
are united by their care for Sophie. This models a very positive outcome for
any blended family, whether formed by remarriage or adoption.
Challenges
This film doesn’t seem likely to appeal to a young audience,
but it doesn’t seem likely to pose many challenges for a mainstream adult
audience.
Recommendations
While this isn’t an adoption film, adoptive parents could
enjoy watching it, paying attention to the positive relationship between the
three dads, and reflecting on what a healthy, open relationship could look like
with their children’s birth family.
Questions for
Discussion
What do you think made it possible for Sophie’s dads to
function so well together?
How important is language or terminology for Sophie in
referring to her dads?
Which songs did you like best?
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