Why Family and Children Are Rare in Most Science Fiction Movies

Many believe that family and children are absent in the majority of science fiction (SF) movies. However, this is not entirely accurate. Science fiction often involves scientists and explorers as the central characters. But why are family and children so infrequently depicted in these films?

What Would They Add to the Story?

The scarcity of family and children in most science fiction movies is not due to a complete lack of desire to include them. In fact, the inclusion of family or children in a story can drag it down if it doesn’t add value to the overall narrative. Studios and filmmakers often prioritize compelling storytelling, ensuring that every element serves a purpose. Even if a family or child could potentially enrich a science fiction story, their inclusion is carefully considered and often deemed unnecessary.

Science Fiction as Adventure Story

Most science fiction movies and novels are adventure stories. As the famous hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, put it, adventures are nasty, uncomfortable things that make you late for dinner. Adventures and families are almost opposites. When characters are embarking on dangerous quests or facing new challenges, they are usually not with their families. Instead, they are out protecting them or searching for them.

Family-centric adventures could be compelling narratives, but they are often limited by the nature of the adventure itself. When family members are involved, they are typically portrayed as adult characters, such as parents, who are taking care of rescue-object children. This type of plot can be effective, but it is often restrictive and doesn't offer as much variety in storytelling.

Practicality and Practical Considerations

From a practical perspective, children can complicate a movie production. Ensuring the care and well-being of young actors can be complicated and costly. Child labor laws, limitations on screen time, and the need for child actors' safety precautions add to the logistical challenges. As a result, family members and children are often omitted from the movie script even if they are present in the source material.

When creating a movie adaptation of a sci-fi story, filmmakers must carefully consider the time investment required to introduce and develop family and children characters. Detailed character backgrounds and relationships take up valuable screen time that could be used for other elements of the story. Therefore, if family and children do not significantly impact the plot, they are often omitted.

Addressing Some Myths

Some argue that family and children are always present in science fiction books to explain a character's background and motivations. While it is true that authors often delve into the past of their characters to create a more rounded and compelling narrative, these explanations are typically conveyed through actions and decisions rather than direct exposition. In films, scenes and actions are more impactful than lengthy explanations, making the inclusion of family and children difficult to achieve effectively while maintaining narrative flow.

Additionally, most science fiction stories are written with adult characters in mind, and family subplots are often stripped out for the sake of simplicity and clarity. If a movie adaptation of such a story requires the presence of a child, it is usually because the child is the protagonist or has a central role in the plot. In other cases, the adult characters are depicted without any significant family members, as the story calls for it.

In conclusion, the rarity of family and children in most science fiction movies is a strategic decision made by filmmakers to enhance storytelling, manage practical logistics, and maintain engaging narratives. While these elements may play important roles in the original source material, their inclusion in films is carefully considered and often reserved for situations that necessitate their presence.