Black Beauty

This 2020 adaptation of Anna Sewell's classic novel reimagines the story in the modern-day American West. The film follows a wild mustang, voiced by Kate Winslet, who is captured and separated from her family. She is brought to Birtwick Stables, a horse sanctuary, where she is named Black Beauty. There, she forms a deep and unbreakable bond with Jo Green (Mackenzie Foy), a spirited teenager who is also grieving the recent loss of her parents and has come to live with her estranged uncle, John Manly (Iain Glen), a horse trainer at Birtwick.

Their connection is built on mutual trust and understanding, as they both navigate their pain and find solace in each other's company. However, financial difficulties force Birtwick to close, and Beauty is sold, beginning a long and arduous journey through the hands of various owners. Some are kind, like a wilderness ranger, while others are cruel and neglectful. Through all the hardships, Beauty's spirit remains unbroken, fueled by the memories of Jo and the hope of one day being reunited with her. The film chronicles Beauty's life, highlighting the different chapters of her existence and the people she encounters along the way, all while holding onto the profound connection she shares with Jo.

At its heart, the 2020 adaptation of "Black Beauty" is a powerful plea for empathy and kindness towards animals. Director Ashley Avis aimed to honor the original novel's message of animal welfare while modernizing it for a contemporary audience. The film explores the profound and healing bond that can exist between humans and animals, suggesting that this connection can mend even the most broken of spirits. By telling the story from Beauty's perspective, the film gives a voice to the voiceless and encourages viewers to consider the emotional lives of animals. It critiques animal cruelty, not just in overt forms but also in the casual neglect and ignorance that can cause suffering. Ultimately, the film champions the idea that all living creatures deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that true humanity is measured by our compassion for all beings.

While the film presents a fairly straightforward narrative, some alternative readings are possible. One interpretation could focus on the film as a subtle critique of class structures in modern society. The contrast between the working-class environment of Birtwick Stables and the wealthy, status-obsessed Winthorp family highlights different value systems: one based on empathy and hard work, the other on appearance and exploitation. Jo, a girl with no wealth, is shown to have a richer understanding of care and partnership than the privileged Georgina.

Another perspective could view Black Beauty's journey as an allegory for the loss of the wild in the face of human encroachment. Her capture at the beginning of the film symbolizes the taming and commodification of nature. Her subsequent experiences of being bought, sold, and used for human purposes reflect humanity's often exploitative relationship with the natural world. Her eventual reunion with Jo at a rehabilitated Birtwick could then be interpreted as a hopeful vision for a more harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, where the wild is respected and protected rather than broken.

The 2020 adaptation of "Black Beauty" serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of a timeless classic for a new generation. By shifting the setting from Victorian England to the modern American West and changing the protagonist horse to a female mustang, the film addresses current animal welfare issues, specifically the plight of wild horses in the United States. This modernization was a deliberate choice by director Ashley Avis to honor the spirit of Anna Sewell's original novel, which was a powerful social commentary on the mistreatment of horses in her era.

Upon its release on Disney+, the film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its heartfelt story, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances, viewing it as a touching family film that successfully carries the novel's core message of empathy. Others found it to be overly sentimental, predictable, and less impactful than the source material, with some critics noting that the episodic nature of the story felt disjointed. The gender-swapping of the main characters was generally seen as a positive move to empower young female viewers. While it may not have achieved the iconic status of the 1994 adaptation for a previous generation, the 2020 film continued the legacy of "Black Beauty" by sparking conversations about animal rights and the enduring bond between humans and animals in a modern context.

Audience reception for "Black Beauty" was generally favorable, particularly among its target demographic of families and young viewers. Many praised the film for its emotional depth, the touching relationship between Jo and Beauty, and its beautiful cinematography. Kate Winslet's voice performance as Beauty was frequently highlighted as a strong point, bringing grace and poignancy to the character. The modernization of the story and the empowerment of its female leads were also well-received by many viewers.

However, some audience members and critics found the film to be overly sentimental and predictable. A common point of criticism was the pacing, with the first part of the film dedicated to building the central relationship, while the latter part rushes through Beauty's various owners in an episodic manner that some found jarring and emotionally underdeveloped. Devotees of the original novel and previous adaptations were divided, with some appreciating the fresh take and others feeling it didn't capture the grittier, more impactful tone of the source material. Overall, it was seen as a heartfelt, if somewhat safe, family film that effectively conveyed its message of kindness to animals.