The Secret Life of Pets
When The Secret Life of Pets bounded into theaters, it promised a heartwarming peek into what our furry, scaled, and feathered companions do when we’re not around. Initially drawn in by the charming trailers and enthusiastic recommendations, many viewers, including myself, were ready for a lighthearted animated adventure. And in many ways, the film delivers on that promise, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding your place. However, beneath the surface of playful pet antics, a darker, more complex narrative emerges, largely embodied by one unforgettable character: Snowball, the seemingly innocent rabbit.
Snowball, voiced with manic energy by Kevin Hart, is the leader of the “Flushed Pets,” a gang of abandoned animals dwelling in the sewers of New York City. Initially appearing as a cute and fluffy bunny, Snowball quickly reveals himself to be the film’s antagonist, a radical revolutionary with a vendetta against humanity. This duality – the juxtaposition of adorable rabbit and homicidal mastermind – is what makes Snowball such a compelling and, for some, unsettling character. He isn’t just a typical cartoon villain; Snowball represents a more nuanced commentary on pet ownership and animal abandonment.
The film’s plot kicks off when Max, a pampered terrier, finds his life disrupted by the arrival of Duke, a large, boisterous stray. Their initial rivalry takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves lost and entangled with Snowball and his crew. What starts as a struggle for Max and Duke to return home evolves into a confrontation with Snowball’s extremist ideology. He preaches a message of animal liberation, fueled by the pain and resentment of being discarded by humans. This is where the movie veers into unexpectedly complex territory.
As Jason Johnson points out in his essay for TheRoot.com, the portrayal of Snowball and the Flushed Pets carries some uncomfortable allegorical weight. Johnson argues that Snowball’s rhetoric and the “Flushed Pets” movement can be interpreted as a “sloppy black militant allegory.” Snowball’s speeches about human oppression of animals, using and discarding them at will, echo themes of exploitation and marginalization. The code-switching observed by Johnson further complicates the reading, adding layers to the film’s social commentary that may not be entirely family-friendly.
Even Common Sense Media, while ultimately recommending the movie for children aged 6 and up, acknowledges the presence of darker elements. They note that “Animals discuss killing people,” and point out that one character is “impressed when others claim to have offed their former owner.” While Common Sense Media concludes the film is “clever and engaging,” parental reviews reveal a more divided reception.
Some parents, as highlighted in user comments, found the darker themes unsettling, particularly for younger children. One parent described “queasy feelings throughout,” while another was “surprised the writers have kids,” citing the disturbing conversation about pets murdering owners. These reactions underline the film’s tonal ambiguity. While filled with humor and lighthearted moments, The Secret Life of Pets, largely through the character of Snowball, introduces surprisingly mature and potentially disturbing themes into what is ostensibly a children’s movie.
In conclusion, Snowball, the rabbit from The Secret Life of Pets, is far more than just a cute bunny. He is a complex and controversial character who drives much of the film’s darker narrative. Whether viewed as a humorous villain or a problematic allegory, Snowball forces audiences to consider the less cuddly aspects of pet ownership and the potential consequences of animal abandonment. If you’re considering watching The Secret Life of Pets with your family, be prepared to unpack the complexities of Snowball and the film’s underlying messages – it’s certainly more than just a simple cartoon about pets being cute when humans aren’t watching.
