Besides using the literal history of animal relations as a backdrop – a clever touch – the trust that Judy places in Nick, and more specifically, his muzzle, is remarkable. Even though it was ‘play acting’. Let’s be clear. From someone who, while talking big to her parents and only took the fox repellent to ‘make them be quiet’, then ensured she took it with her on the first day and never stopped carrying it with her, for that someone to let a fox take her by the neck like THAT – is huge. The clearing from Gideon’s apology (and in seeing her parent’s own growth in their working with Gideon), and from Nick’s generosity in forgiving her, has her be willing to put that level of trust in him. Amazing.
And, as before, it’s amazing for the both of them. The Junior Ranger kids had said “If you thought we’d ever trust a predator without a muzzle, you’re even dumber than you look.” They used the word trust specifically. For a prey species to be willing to give that level of trust to Nick intensifies and seals the completion.
What an insanely powerful moment in the story. It’s the crux of the caper coming to an end while also, and I’d say even more poignantly, being a huge moment for Judy and Nick, showing the depth of their transformations.
It should not be forgotten or omitted that these completions and transformations are also brought on by the other side of apology: forgiveness.
Judy goes from pretending everything is behind her and instead empathizes with Gideon. Nick could have held his grudge against Judy’s words, but he doesn’t. He too grants her the error, and forgives her. They both could have stayed right in their convictions, but they chose to take the plunge to see what’s possible. And through that generosity, miracles happen.
Given my recent musings about apologizing, and the amazing power therein, I am beyond tickled that along comes a movie with not just one, but these TWO amazing scenes of apology. I say again that these scenes are some of the most adult things I have seen in a movie in a long time. Period. Mr. Rogers would be proud (see 4:10 of this video). I give super kudos to the writers and directors for putting them in.
These scenes are amazing on so many levels. We have characters choosing to take responsibility and to apologize, and how they apologize are pretty darn good examples of how to. We have forgiveness and empathy. And we witness how the apologies alter the lives of the characters forever, as a good apology can.
It doesn’t always take apologies to cause transformation, but in those instances where an apology is appropriate, they can make a world of difference. And often we never know to what level our apology might provide a clearing for another, just as Judy’s did for Nick.
To all who worked on Zootopia and for the work that went behind it to craft a film with such an amazing intricate philosophical core, thank you.
In a film about anthropomorphic animals, you have taught us plenty about our humanity.