The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

What’s it about?

A lost boy sets out to find a home and finds something much more in the process. There are heartfelt and profound conversations about the meaning of life, universal truths and friendship with some rather unlikely characters. It is an animated short film based on the 2019 novel by Chris Mackesy.

The facts

• Directors Peter Baynton and Chris Mackesy
• English language
• Runtime 32 minutes
• Apple TV+ original based on the book by Chris Mackesy

Why did it get this rating?

This film was self-rated by Apple TV+. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

The film is based on the children’s novel and uses a beautiful animation style that combines ink drawing and digital hand-painting to create the 2D look. The film is rated G for all ages.

Scary scenes

There are some darker scenes which may scare the youngest of children who are old enough to watch and maintain the attention required to follow the story. The boy is lost and he makes friends with the mole, the horse and the fox. They travel together across snow fields, through the woods, and crossing the river. Difficult or dangerous situations arise such as the boy falling off the horse and into the river, the fox being caught in a snare, and a storm coming through and they must take shelter in the dark woods. No harm comes to any of the characters but the danger or scare may concern very young viewers initially. For example the dark forest during the storm is shown as large black barren trees moving menacingly in the wind and rain.

Each of these situations gives an opportunity for a profound conversation about how we respond to difficult circumstances. To acknowledge feelings, and to ask for help when needed.

These are good learning moments for the very young and for slightly older children who are still finding ways to manage their feelings. Watching together and talking about the story is a good way for smaller viewers to learn with a caregiver.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• What can we learn from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse? (BBC)
• Animating an Amiable Fable in ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ (Animation Magazine)