I am an adult who loves children’s movies. In addition to their colorful, eye-catching, and fun properties they often have deeper lessons woven in that can easily be missed. Previously, I expanded on this by talking about how the Disney movie “Encanto” addresses generational trauma. Today I am going to take us to Dreamworks studios for a lesson on depression. “Trolls” is a movie from 2016 in which there is a village of tiny, colorful trolls. They are the embodiment of happiness who sing, dance, and hug all day. There is another village full of bergens who are the antithesis of the trolls: unhappy, dull, and have to eat trolls to be happy. Now, if you haven’t seen Trolls and plan on it, I’d suggest you stop reading because there will be major spoilers. A bergen steals some trolls in order to have a feast and become happy, so Poppy, the troll princess, teams up with the grumpiest troll, Branch, to save their friends. In the end, everyone works together and discovers that you don’t have to eat a troll to be happy.
So, how does a snappy, animated pop-musical movie have anything to do with depression? Well, the entire premise of the movie is based on the search for happiness. For most trolls, singing, dancing, and hugging is the ideal time and allows them to be filled to the brim with happiness. However, for Branch these activities do not bring him joy and he does not want to be a part of them. This is largely due to the childhood trauma he endured when he watched his caretaker being eaten by a bergen. So we already have a depiction of someone who has a history of trauma and depression as a result. Branch isolates himself from the rest of the trolls and never participates in any of their activities. Bergen town is another example of depression in the movie. The bergens are constantly unhappy and believe they are incapable of being happy without eating a troll. However, even eating a troll is not a permanent fix but a temporary one. The bergens live with permanent frowns and listless sighs as they idle the days by.
When Poppy and Branch meet a bergen, Bridget, they help her express her romantic feelings towards another bergen which ends in an extremely fun and happy date. Bridget becomes friends with the trolls and Poppy realizes that bergens do have emotions and can be happy without eating trolls. Finally Poppy tells the bergens that “happiness isn’t something you put inside. It’s already there, sometimes you just need someone to help you find it.” In the end, the trolls work together with the bergens and help identify ways the bergens can do things they enjoy and identify their own emotions and be happy.
Of course, it is a bit simplistic of a fix to the movie depression (it is a children’s movie after all) but it gives three important lessons.
- Anyone can experience depression: Branch is a troll. Trolls’ entire thing is that they are a happy species. But Branch lost his color and happiness. Later in the movie the other trolls even lose their color and happiness temporarily as well. No matter who you are and what expectations are, depression can affect anyone.
- Community is essential to combating depression. Depression encourages us to isolate which tends to make the depression stronger and worse. However, seeking help and support from others is what can help us get better.
- Depression doesn’t have to be permanent. The bergens thought that it was normal to never feel happy or to only feel happy when eating a troll. The trolls helped them realize that is not the case and that they should not be feeling so terrible all the time. The same is the case for people. With help, you can get better and depression doesn’t have to be permanent. There are so many effective treatments for depression that we can work together to find the one that’s right for you.
FAQs
They learn that happiness can only be found within their own heart. This is such an important lesson pointed out in this movie because it helps children understand how they can control their own lives. We often hear that our happiness and inner peace depend on our reaction to what is happening around us.
What does the movie trolls teach us? ›
They learn that happiness can only be found within their own heart. This is such an important lesson pointed out in this movie because it helps children understand how they can control their own lives. We often hear that our happiness and inner peace depend on our reaction to what is happening around us.
Who is the depressed troll in trolls? ›
Branch isn't just sad, he's actively anti-social and an isolationist: Fearing the return of the violent Troll-hunting Bergens, he holes himself off in a fortified bunker with supplies for ten years.
What is the main idea of the trolls? ›
“Trolls” is a delightful movie about happiness, loyalty and love. Its theme is that happiness isn't found in outward circ*mstances or in material things, but from within. It incorporates delightful characters such as Poppy (Anna Kendrick), a princess, Bridget (Zooey Deschanel), and Branch (Justin Timberlake).
What do therapists say about depression? ›
“You are not alone. Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns, and it is real. It causes real suffering, and can impact a person in all aspects of their life. Your depression is not your fault, and it's not a moral failing.
What is the moral of the story of the Trolls? ›
Moral of the Trolls Story
The moral of this trolls ride on story is that one should not judge a person by looks, and help those who are needy. We should not help only when getting something in return, but we should do it by heart and out of humanity, not greed.
Is Trolls appropriate for kids? ›
Trolls features scary creatures like the Bergens and large spiders. It also has scenes that show the trolls being chased and eaten. Therefore, it might be too scary for children aged under five years, but children over this age and their parents are likely to enjoy it.
Are Trolls about depression? ›
Bergen town is another example of depression in the movie. The bergens are constantly unhappy and believe they are incapable of being happy without eating a troll. However, even eating a troll is not a permanent fix but a temporary one. The bergens live with permanent frowns and listless sighs as they idle the days by.
What mental illness do Trolls have? ›
Prior research on online anti-social behavior asked, 'who trolls others? ', sparking investigations of the trolls' personalities. Specifically, research has confirmed the link between trolling behavior and the Dark Tetrad traits (sadism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism).
Did the troll died in troll movie? ›
However, the sun then rises into a clear sky and kills the troll. While everyone else rejoices, Andreas and Nora wonder if more trolls are still alive deep inside Norway's mountains. In the aftermath, something seems to emerge with a roar from the rubble inside the Dovre mountain cave.
Trolls are most often characterized as brutish, self-serving creatures who are antagonistic to humans and represent the forces of nature. Trolls typically live in mountains, forests, or caves.
What is the mindset of a troll? ›
The mentality
Its aim is to bait people by posting provoking and inflammatory comments aimed at disrupting conversations. By diverting attention away from what is being discussed, as soon as you engage or reciprocate with the troll, you've fallen for the trap.
What are three things about trolls? ›
They can be big and sinister, even gigantic, like a huge mountain, or they can be small and playful. Some have one head, others have three. And it is also common for many of them to have only one eye. Stomping their way out of the forest, trolls have made their impact on traditional folklore.
What not to say to a therapist? ›
What Not to Say to Your Therapist
- "I feel like I'm talking too much." Remember, this hour or two hours of time with your therapist is your time and your space. ...
- "I'm the worst. ...
- "I'm sorry for my emotions." ...
- "I always just talk about myself." ...
- "I can't believe I told you that!" ...
- "Therapy won't work for me."
Common triggers for therapist tears are grief and loss or trauma, says Blume-Marcovici.
What to say to a counselor about depression? ›
You can say:
- “You're not alone. Many people suffer from depression. ...
- “Depression is treatable. Getting help is the best thing you can do.”
- “Many people get better with treatment — even people who have severe depression.”
- “There are different ways to treat depression, including therapy and medicine.”
Poppy's arts and crafts are just a taste of the many pleasures the Trolls find in their world. Bergens, on the other hand, can only feel happy by eating Trolls, or so we're told. Eventually, we arrive at the thematic point of the film, wherein we learn that happiness is not something you put inside yourself.
What is the point of Trolls? ›
Trolls are people who leave intentionally provocative or offensive messages on the internet in order to get attention, cause trouble or upset someone.
What is the moral lesson in Trolls World Tour? ›
Instead, we should be more than ready to accept and even ignore someone who lives different from us if they let us live as we want. More than that, we should actively support their right to live as they want because it is our same right. That's the deep educational message of Trolls World Tour.
What is the idea of Trolls? ›
Trolls were often described as strong, evil and dangerous giants. They were ugly, with large noses and eyes "the size of plates", and often had several heads or just one eye. Gods and humans were their enemies, and they were angered by the “smell of Christian blood”.
