Synopsis
The sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory focuses on Dory, a blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss. The one thing she can remember is that she somehow became separated from her parents as a child. With help from Nemo and Marlin, Dory embarks on an adventure to find them. Her journey brings her to the Marine Life Institute, a conservatory which houses diverse ocean species. Once there, Dory discovers that her family reunion will only happen if she can save her Mum and Dad from captivity.
Pixar don’t really make average films (I know, except Cars!) so it’s a pretty safe bet that when a Pixar film comes out it’s going to be fun for everyone of all ages and have some deep content that is perfect for discussion and exploration.
Finding Dory explores the challenges and joys of raising, living with, or being someone with special needs. A reoccurring theme is that it’s possible to have a world where we care for one another. Dory herself is a unique main character in film - she has a condition that makes her different to other characters, but she is front and centre and not just a comedy sidekick. Dory begins to learn that her perspective on life makes the world a better place for everyone. At one point Marlin says to Dory: “You’ve shown me how to do stuff I never dreamed of doing, crazy things… you made all that happen.” Slowly, a mantra of ‘what would Dory do?’ begins to shine through in the film. As someone who purchased a WWJD band in his younger years at a Christian festival, it’s an inspirational message.
In this clip, Dory is finally reunited with her parents. After searching for most of the film, Dory finally finds them, after seeing shells that her parents had left out to guide her home. Once reunited, she discovers that they’ve been waiting for her ever since she got lost.
- Younger group: Was the clip a happy or sad one? Why?
- 9-to-12-year-olds: What themes were covered in the clip? What sort of emotional journey did Dory go on?
- 12+: Is your youth group an inclusive one for all young people to be part of? How could it be better?
- Any: What is it about Dory that makes her such an appealing character?
Read Luke 15:11-32 and discuss:
- Younger group: Can you think of a time that you waited for a long time for something? What happened? How did you feel when you got what you’d been waiting for?
- 9-to-12-year-olds: How do you think the father felt when he saw his son return home? Why?
- 12+: What do you think the meaning of the parable is?
- Any: How can we use this parable in our relationship with God?
