Since Wednesday premiered in 2022, Tim Burton has become one of the most unexpected icons of Netflix. His movies are often among the most watched, and in recent weeks he has managed to go even further thanks to the inclusion in the catalog of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, a 2016 film that remains in the global Top 1 on the platform.
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Subscribe (it's FREE) ►Eight years after its premiere, this fascinating and gothic tale has once again captured the attention of millions of viewers thanks to Netflix. This film makes it clear that, even though it may not be Burton’s best cinematic era, there are still several gems worth rescuing in his later filmography.
Burton’s Tribute to the Weirdos
Based on the popular young adult novel by Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children combines dark fantasy with the unique visual aesthetic of Tim Burton. The director, known for his gothic style, eccentric characters, and worlds that blend the macabre with the fantastic, found in this story the perfect vehicle to return to his roots in 2016.
The movie follows Jake, a young man who, after a family tragedy, discovers that his grandfather had told him the truth about a mysterious orphanage and its extraordinary inhabitants. This home, run by the enigmatic Miss Peregrine (Eva Green), houses a group of children with unique abilities, known as “peculiars”. Throughout the plot, Jake delves into this magical and strange world, uncovering family secrets and facing threats that only he can stop.
In Miss Peregrine, Tim Burton lets himself be carried away by a visually dazzling universe, where each scene is filled with details that reflect his characteristic style. From the period costumes to the extravagant powers of the protagonist children, the film is a feast for the eyes of those of us who grew up with Burton.
And, of course, one of the great successes of the film is its cast. Eva Green stands out remarkably in her portrayal of Miss Peregrine, a firm yet caring guardian with a special gift: she can transform into a falcon and has the ability to control time. Green manages to convey both the warmth and mystery of her character, capturing the essence of the protective leader who watches over her peculiar wards. She is, without a doubt, the driving force of the film.
On the other hand, we have Asa Butterfield, who was already known at the time for his work in Hugo and Ender’s Game, and who in this film managed to create a Jake that perfectly blends innocence and bravery. Through his eyes, we immerse ourselves in this unique world full of wonders and dangers, witnessing his evolution from an insecure young man to a determined hero.
As if that weren’t enough, the film also features standout performances by Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays the villain Barron with his characteristic charisma and energy, and Terence Stamp as Jake’s grandfather, whose mystery sets off the plot. Although the film was initially labeled as a young adult fantasy, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has that macabre touch that characterizes Burton’s best works.
Following Burton’s usual thesis, the film is a tribute to the quirky, in this case, the “peculiars.” Although powerful, these characters also live in a constant state of vulnerability, pursued by monstrous beings called “hollows,” who feed on them. The plot offers dark and terrifying moments, but always through the lens of fantasy. Thanks to Netflix, you have a unique opportunity to revisit this story as fascinating as it is entertaining.
