Family is a pretty big deal – whether we like or not. We can’t always choose the roots of which we come from. For some of us our biology is dysfunctional & that’s putting it nicely. Others of us, we don’t always come from the greatest of homes. Maybe you were abused – physically, sexually or emotionally. Such scars can create lasting marks on us. One of the best examples, I’ve heard as of late was sitting down with independent author, Will O’Shire. Last summer, Will shared his story on our show about the emotional abuse he suffered as a child and how that impacted him into adulthood. His soil grew heavy with bitterness and anger. A friend of mine came from a home exactly like that and ultimately turned to suicide.
For others of us, we don't know what a biological family feels like. The very news of adaption, creates within us, this sense of not being good enough or rejection. Both of which can lead to many other places. Foster families, from what I hear, can be the same as normal families. They can be a loving environment to some. While others may experience the same type of abuse - namely sexual, physical or emotional - as a normal home. Placing upon the pressures of the foster system only intensifies that situation. Then, there are friends. I once heard it put that friends are the families which we chose for ourselves. They are the community in which we turn to and laugh with, cry with or just hang out with.
Whether or not, you know the comics, George Perez made family a focal point following the heroine's relaunch in the mid 80s. After Crisis on Infinite Earths. The family that she had made on Themyscira had been left behind in search of a bold, new one while she served in man's world. Lo and behold she met a college professor named Julie and her daughter, Vanessa. Some of the heroine’s most endearing stories come from this era of her history. Sadly, it's also one of the most forgotten eras of her history as well. However, that history takes center stage, in the new animated movie, Wonder Woman : Bloodlines.
Bloodlines depicts the effects of that family dynamic, and how biological roots can sometimes grow bitterness because of the perfection and history of Wonder Woman's Amazonian roots. Once take root, a new villainess arises to challenge the princess. I'll be honest, I get the argument for Batman and Spider-Man now. How many times do we need to see Uncle Ben or the Waynes get shot? How many times do we have to keep reliving these original stories? Honestly, that's where we spent nearly the first twenty minutes of this movie. In one part, it feels like this is the same Wonder Woman we met in 2012's Justice League: War. Though, that is quickly debunked. The origin aspect to Bloodlines feels sloppily handled and more like filler content than anything else.
That's honestly the most jarring aspect of this entire movie - why do we need to see the origin again? We just saw it grace the big screen not more than a few years ago. Not to mention, that in comics, it was one of the first arcs in the Rebirth era. As well as the original graphic novel, Wonder Woman: Earth One. The origin aspect has but one take away and that was Diana's relationship with this family. A large portion of this opening, as much as I have issues with how it's put together, you need to make the rest of the film as effective. The emotional stakes of this film as extraordinarily well handled. The narrative which houses multiple villainess' from Wonder Woman's rogue gallery never feels too crowded but actually helps in pressing the story forward. The core villainess in Silver Swan helps to establish the emotional core of the film. Villains who see themselves as the heroes are more effective - in the long run.
The pacing of the film, outside of some of its' opening, is done extremely well. The narrative is tight, yet impactful. Unfortunately, the animation cannot be conveyed in the same manner. Bloodlines feels more like a Lego movie, rather than feeling set in the rest of the DC Animated Universe. The characters come across as blocky and clunky rather than smooth. There is just a rough nature to almost all the characters. Perhaps, the only ones who don't come across that way are the villains. There is a smooth essence to the character design of Doctor Psycho and SIlver Swan. A smoothness that characters like Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman do not share.
Overall, Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, is an intensely beautiful story of sorrow and grief. The film might not find its' landing out of the gate but quickly establishes an emotional core. Which in the end, helps to make the story more tragic and personal. The film boasts a large slate of villains but never once makes the narrative feel crowded. The strategic placing of each character helps the effectiveness of the story move along. Though, the film has some jarring tools in its arsenal. Experiencing Wonder Woman's origin, yet again, for no larger narrative is void of purpose. It feels more like filler content than actual purpose. The animation falls a bit in the same camp. Some characters have a smooth perplexation, while others feel blocky and clunky. Even with all of its issues, Bloodlines, has opens up the history of the character for a truly effective and emotional narrative.
And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.
Music by Beggars. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines is property of DC Entertainment and Warner Brothers Animation. We do not own nor claim any rights.