Tuck Everlasting (2002) - Jared's Take

4 out of 5 Stars

I started this film with mixed expectations. I had heard that it was weird and amazing, both from credible sources. My ultimate opinion is that it was a great film. It isn’t the most original story, as immortality is a subject that graces many films. It was also somewhat commonplace in how it deals with death and the importance of living your life rather than letting it fly right on by. But I have found that I actually really like these kind of films. A similar one that comes to mind is Meet Joe Black. I love those movies that spark that desire to start making even more out of your life before the credits finish rolling.

I paid special attention to the use of color in the film, and how vibrant it was. I kept remarking to myself how beautiful the cinematography and colors were. A motif I picked up very early on was the use of color with the Tuck family. They lived in this vibrant world, full of life, and yet they were dressed in slightly desaturated and cooler colors. What stood out the most to me was the mother who wore a darker green. Thematically, I’m concluding that while they had immortal life (green often represents life and growth), it was subdued in its intensity because they did not have the fullness and vibrancy of life experienced by the rest of the world.

One of the best lines in the film was when Tuck said something about not fearing death, but a life not lived. I probably really butchered that, but there’s a good message there. Especially when you learn for yourself that death isn’t the end, just another path we all must take.