The good Dinosaur Reflection on life

Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur (2015) may not be the most celebrated film in their repertoire, but it is undoubtedly one of the most profound and emotionally resonant stories they have ever told. At its core, The Good Dinosaur is a story about fear—how it shapes us, how it holds us back, and how, in the end, it can be overcome. It is about learning to trust ourselves, about loss and love, and ultimately, about making our mark in a world that can often feel so much bigger than us.

Fear and Growth: The Core of Arlo’s Journey

Arlo, our timid Apatosaurus, begins his journey as the runt of his family. His siblings are stronger, more capable, and quicker to earn their place in the world, while Arlo struggles with overwhelming fear. From the beginning, his father’s words echo throughout the film:

“You gotta earn your mark by doing something big.”

Arlo interprets this as meaning he must prove himself through bravery, but his idea of bravery is skewed by the weight of his fear. His father, Henry, pushes him to face his fears, but in doing so, ultimately leads to his own tragic demise in a violent storm—a moment that mirrors Mufasa’s death in The Lion King in its sheer emotional devastation. Arlo, burdened with guilt and loss, is then thrust into a journey he never wanted, where survival is no longer a choice but a necessity.

The Power of Connection: Arlo and Spot

Enter Spot, the feral human child who, despite his lack of words, becomes Arlo’s greatest companion. Their relationship is one of the most poignant aspects of the film, showing that family isn’t just blood—it’s who you choose to love, who chooses to love you back. Spot, like Arlo, has suffered immense loss. The scene where they share their grief, drawing circles in the dirt to represent their families, is a masterclass in visual storytelling. With no dialogue, only gestures and expressions, Pixar conveys a lifetime of pain and understanding in mere moments.

Through Spot, Arlo learns to trust, to let go, and to redefine what bravery means. Their bond is not only about survival but about emotional healing. It is through Spot that Arlo realizes that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to keep going despite it.

Overcoming Fear: Arlo’s Transformation

One of the most powerful moments in the film is when Arlo faces his deepest fear—the raging river that took his father. In an emotionally charged moment, he sees his father’s ghost, urging him to follow. But Arlo, having grown through his journey, realizes the truth:

“You’re not real.”

This moment is Arlo’s transformation, his acceptance that fear is no longer his master. His father is gone, and Arlo no longer needs to be led—he has found his own strength. When he saves Spot from the clutches of scavengers, it is not an act of reckless bravery but of purpose, of true courage. He has, in his own way, earned his mark.

Love Means Letting Go: The Hardest Goodbye

If Arlo’s transformation wasn’t emotional enough, the final act solidifies his growth in a way that is both heart-wrenching and deeply profound. When Arlo and Spot encounter a human family, Arlo makes the painful decision to let Spot go. Despite the love they have for each other, Arlo knows that Spot belongs with his own kind. The way Arlo nudges Spot toward them, despite his own pain, is a lesson in selflessness—one of the hardest lessons in love. It is a reminder that true love sometimes means letting go so the ones we care about can find where they truly belong.

As Arlo walks away, tears in his eyes, we are reminded that his journey has been one of self-discovery. He no longer needs to prove himself through grand gestures. He has earned his mark—not by eliminating fear, but by rising above it.

Final Thoughts: Making Our Mark

The Good Dinosaur is a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt small in a world too big, anyone who has ever lost someone, or anyone who has ever been paralyzed by fear. It reminds us that bravery is not about being fearless but about pushing forward despite the fear. It is about love, loss, and growth. It is about making our mark—not by being the biggest or the strongest, but by simply being true to ourselves.

As the film closes with Arlo finally placing his footprint next to his father’s, we realize that his journey was never about proving himself to others—it was about proving to himself that he was capable all along. And perhaps that is the most powerful lesson of all: We are stronger than we think, and we are braver than we believe.