modelcampusa.com – Released in 2016, Finding Dory, the much-anticipated sequel to Pixar’s beloved Finding Nemo (2003), brings back the ocean’s favorite forgetful fish in a heartwarming and visually stunning adventure. Directed by Andrew Stanton, who also helmed the original, Finding Dory centers around the lovable blue tang fish, Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), and her journey to find her long-lost family. What begins as a search for family turns into a touching exploration of self-identity, resilience, and the importance of friendship.
While Finding Dory shares some thematic and structural elements with its predecessor, it stands on its own by expanding Dory’s backstory and developing a new narrative that dives deeper into themes of memory loss, disability, and belonging. The film is not only a visual spectacle but also a poignant reminder that even those who seem lost can find their way home.
Plot Summary: Dory’s Journey of Self-Discovery
A Fragile Memory and a Sudden Realization
The story of Finding Dory picks up one year after the events of Finding Nemo. Dory, the forgetful yet optimistic blue tang fish, has settled into a comfortable life on the reef alongside her friends Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voiced by Hayden Rolence). Despite her memory problems, she has become part of Marlin and Nemo’s family, contributing to their everyday life and adventures.
However, Dory’s short-term memory loss continues to be a central part of her character. She often struggles with remembering basic facts, causing her to feel like she is a burden to those around her. Her catchphrase, “I suffer from short-term memory loss,” is both humorous and poignant, reflecting her internal struggles.
One day, after hearing Nemo’s school lesson about migration and family, Dory begins to have flashes of memories from her childhood. These memories involve her long-lost parents, Jenny (voiced by Diane Keaton) and Charlie (voiced by Eugene Levy). Dory recalls that she had been separated from them as a child, and this sudden realization sparks a longing to reunite with her family. Motivated by these fragmented memories, Dory sets off on a quest to find her parents, with Marlin and Nemo accompanying her on this seemingly impossible journey across the ocean.
From the Open Ocean to the Marine Life Institute
Dory’s journey takes her, Marlin, and Nemo across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute, a rescue and rehabilitation center for marine animals in California. It is here that Dory believes her parents might be. The Marine Life Institute serves as the primary setting for much of the film’s action and introduces a host of new characters, including Hank (voiced by Ed O’Neill), a grumpy, seven-legged octopus (or “septopus”); Destiny (voiced by Kaitlin Olson), a near-sighted whale shark; and Bailey (voiced by Ty Burrell), a beluga whale with echolocation issues.
At the Institute, Dory’s memory gradually begins to resurface, providing her with more clues about her past and leading her to areas where her parents might be. However, the journey is far from easy. Dory is separated from Marlin and Nemo early on, forcing her to navigate the challenges of the Institute on her own. She faces a series of obstacles, from avoiding capture by human workers to outwitting predatory fish, all while her fragile memory continues to hinder her progress.
Despite these challenges, Dory’s optimism, resourcefulness, and ability to “just keep swimming” help her make new friends, like Hank, who becomes her reluctant guide and ally. The bond between Dory and Hank grows as they help each other out of tight situations, with Hank seeking to escape to a quiet life in an aquarium and Dory continuing her search for her family.
A Reunion of Hope and Heartbreak
As Dory pieces together more memories, she recalls that her family used to live in the “Open Ocean” exhibit at the Institute. She ventures to the exhibit, hopeful that her parents are still waiting for her there. However, upon arrival, she is devastated to learn that her parents are not in the exhibit, and it appears that they may have left—or worse, that they might not have survived after all.
This moment of despair becomes one of the film’s emotional high points, as Dory begins to question whether she will ever be reunited with her family. However, as she navigates her feelings of loss, she soon finds evidence that her parents have been leaving trails of shells for years, hoping that one day Dory would follow the trail and find them. With renewed hope, Dory follows the shell paths, eventually leading to an emotional reunion with Jenny and Charlie.
The Climactic Escape
The reunion between Dory and her parents is one of the most touching moments in the film. However, the journey isn’t over yet. Dory realizes that Marlin and Nemo are in danger and need her help. She rushes to save them, leading to the film’s climactic action sequence, in which Dory and her friends orchestrate a daring escape from the Marine Life Institute.
In a thrilling and humorous scene, Hank drives a truck full of fish, and Dory and her friends manage to free themselves from the Institute. Through teamwork, quick thinking, and Dory’s unique approach to problem-solving, they all manage to escape back to the ocean, where they are reunited as a family. The film ends on a hopeful note, with Dory finally finding her place in the world, surrounded by both her biological family and her chosen family with Marlin and Nemo.
Themes and Messages: Resilience, Memory, and Disability
The Importance of Family and Belonging
At its heart, Finding Dory is a story about family and belonging. Dory’s quest to find her parents drives much of the plot, but the film also explores the idea that family is not limited to biological ties. Marlin, Nemo, and Dory have formed a chosen family over the years, supporting and loving each other despite their differences. This theme is emphasized throughout the film, especially when Dory realizes that while she was searching for her parents, she already had a family that cared deeply about her.
The film also delves into the emotional weight of being separated from one’s family and the yearning to be reunited with loved ones. Dory’s journey mirrors the experience of those who feel lost or displaced, emphasizing that no matter how far apart one may be from family, the bonds of love can persist and guide them back together.
Memory and Identity
Memory plays a crucial role in Finding Dory, as the film explores how memory shapes identity and relationships. Dory’s short-term memory loss is both a source of humor and a serious challenge for her. It affects how she navigates the world and how she perceives herself. Throughout the film, Dory grapples with feelings of inadequacy, as she believes her memory loss makes her a burden to those around her.
However, Finding Dory delivers a powerful message about embracing one’s differences and learning to thrive despite them. Dory’s memory loss, while challenging, does not define her entirely. Instead, she learns to rely on her strengths—her perseverance, optimism, and ability to adapt in difficult situations. In this way, the film offers an uplifting portrayal of disability, showing that even those with limitations can achieve great things through determination and support from others.
Resilience and “Just Keep Swimming”
One of the most iconic phrases from Finding Nemo—“Just keep swimming”—returns in Finding Dory as a central theme. Dory’s unwavering optimism and determination to keep moving forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable, are qualities that resonate throughout the film. Her resilience becomes a source of inspiration for those around her, especially Marlin and Nemo, who learn to trust her instincts and recognize her strengths.
The idea of “just keep swimming” reflects the broader theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. No matter how many times Dory forgets something or finds herself lost, she never gives up. This message of resilience is particularly important for audiences, as it encourages persistence and hope even when life seems overwhelming.
New Characters and Returning Favorites
Hank: The Reluctant Hero
One of the standout new characters in Finding Dory is Hank, the grumpy, cynical octopus who becomes Dory’s unlikely companion. Voiced by Ed O’Neill, Hank is initially motivated by self-interest, as he hopes to escape from the Marine Life Institute to live a peaceful life in captivity. However, as he spends more time with Dory, Hank’s character softens, and he becomes a key ally in her quest to find her parents.
Hank’s complex character arc, which evolves from reluctance to heroism, adds depth to the film. His bond with Dory highlights the importance of friendship and trust, as Hank learns to rely on Dory’s instincts and ultimately helps her succeed in her mission.
Destiny and Bailey: Friends from the Past
Destiny, the near-sighted whale shark, and Bailey, the beluga whale with echolocation issues, are two of Dory’s old friends from her time at the Marine Life Institute. These characters bring a mix of humor and heart to the film, as they each deal with their own perceived “disabilities” while supporting Dory on her journey.
Both Destiny and Bailey reflect the film’s message of embracing one’s limitations and finding strength in friendship. Despite their physical challenges, they prove to be valuable allies for Dory, helping her navigate the complexities of the Institute and ultimately reunite with her family.
Marlin and Nemo: The Return of Familiar Faces
Marlin and Nemo, the father-son duo from Finding Nemo, play important supporting roles in Finding Dory. While the focus is primarily on Dory’s journey, Marlin and Nemo’s bond is further developed as they once again venture into unknown waters to support their friend. Their relationship with Dory emphasizes the film’s theme of chosen family and the importance of loyalty and love.
Conclusion: A Worthy Sequel with Heart and Humor
Finding Dory successfully builds on the legacy of Finding Nemo by expanding the world of its characters and delivering a story that is both emotionally resonant and visually stunning. While the film retains the humor and charm of the original, it stands on its own by exploring deeper themes of memory, disability, and self-discovery.
Through Dory’s journey to find her family, Finding Dory delivers a powerful message about resilience, hope, and the importance of friendship. It is a film that appeals to audiences of all ages, offering a mix of heartfelt moments, exciting action sequences, and unforgettable characters. At its core, Finding Dory reminds viewers that even when we feel lost, we can find our way home with determination, love, and the support of those around us.