Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunning, thoughtful book adaptation celebrates friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a beautiful adaptation that portrays profound themes of friendship and self-acceptance, though its slow pace and heavy themes may not be suitable for very young audiences. While it offers heartwarming messages and appealing animation, some find certain dialogue moments unexpected, and the deeper philosophical elements may be lost on smaller children.
- heartwarming themes
- beautiful animation
- slow pace
- philosophical elements
- unexpected dialogue
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 4 kid reviews
What's the Story?
A young boy quietly wanders a snowy landscape. He eventually meets a mole (Tom Hollander), and they begin traveling together. The boy is in search of his home, but he's not sure where it is. When the pair are pursued by a fox (voiced by Idris Elba) and meet a majestic horse (Gabriel Byrne), a gentle adventure ensues, and lots of wisdom is shared in the process.
Is It Any Good?
For being so visually chilly, this short film absolutely radiates warmth and wonder. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is slightly otherworldly and a little haunting, like predecessors in tone The Snowman, Winnie the Pooh, and The Little Prince, but it's steeped in realistic natural landscapes and deceptively casual conversations. In lesser hands, the film and its many lessons could feel saccharine, but each line is grounded in authenticity, thanks to the writing and expert cast of British actors. It's a lovely new winter classic that families won't want to miss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about family and home. What does it mean to have a home? A family? Do people have to be related to you to be family?
How does the boy form friendships with all the animals he meets over time? What challenges does he face in doing so?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 25, 2022
- Cast : Idris Elba , Tom Hollander , Gabriel Byrne
- Director : Peter Baynton
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Apple TV / Apple Original Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 35 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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