The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
A gentle, hand-drawn animated journey of empathy and connection, where four unlikely friends wander through a wintery landscape, discovering that home is not a place, but a feeling.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

"A journey, in search of home."

25 December 2022 United Kingdom 35 min ⭐ 8.2 (660)
Director: Peter Baynton Charlie Mackesy
Cast: Jude Coward Nicoll, Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne
Animation Family Fantasy Adventure
Friendship and Connection Vulnerability and Courage Kindness and Empathy The Meaning of Home

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

The Boy

Jude Coward Nicoll

Archetype: The Seeker / Everyman
Key Trait: Innocent

Motivation

His primary motivation is to find a home. This simple, universal desire drives the narrative forward, but evolves as he realizes his deeper need is for connection and love. He is also motivated by a gentle curiosity and an innate kindness.

Character Arc

The Boy begins his journey feeling lost, alone, and seeking a physical home. His arc is one of discovery; through his interactions with his new friends, he learns about himself and the nature of belonging. He moves from a state of hopeful uncertainty to a profound understanding that home is not a place, but the loving bond he shares with his companions, choosing them over the village he was searching for.

The Mole

Tom Hollander

Archetype: The Optimist / The Fool (in the wise sense)
Key Trait: Enthusiastic

Motivation

The Mole is motivated by a love for cake and, more deeply, a desire for companionship and to help his friends. He is driven by an optimistic and straightforward philosophy, believing that kindness and enjoying the simple things are what matter most.

Character Arc

The Mole is the first to befriend the Boy and remains a constant source of simple wisdom and enthusiasm. While he doesn't have a dramatic arc of change, his character is revealed to have great depth and courage, such as when he frees the Fox. His arc is about demonstrating that great wisdom and bravery can come in small packages.

The Fox

Idris Elba

Archetype: The Outcast / The Redeemed
Key Trait: Wary

Motivation

Initially, the Fox is motivated by survival and caution. After being accepted into the group, his motivation shifts to protecting his new friends. He is driven by a desire to overcome his past and connect with others, even if he finds it difficult to express himself.

Character Arc

The Fox has the most significant character arc. Initially introduced as a silent, potentially dangerous figure, he has been hurt by life and is wary of others. After being shown kindness by the Mole, he undergoes a transformation. He goes from a threat to a protector, saving the Mole from the river. His arc is about learning to trust again and finding his voice and place within a community.

The Horse

Gabriel Byrne

Archetype: The Mentor / The Gentle Giant
Key Trait: Wise

Motivation

The Horse is motivated by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to guide and protect his friends. He seeks to impart the wisdom he has gained from his experiences, particularly about self-worth, courage, and the nature of strength.

Character Arc

The Horse is introduced as a wise and gentle presence, offering profound advice to the group. His personal arc involves revealing his own vulnerability and a secret he has been hiding: he has wings and can fly. He stopped flying because it made other horses envious. Encouraged by the unconditional love of his friends, he finds the courage to be his true self and fly again, symbolizing self-acceptance and embracing one's unique gifts.

Cast

Jude Coward Nicoll as The Boy (voice)
Tom Hollander as The Mole (voice)
Idris Elba as The Fox (voice)
Gabriel Byrne as The Horse (voice)