Based on the classic book by Margery Williams

The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic book that has been made into film and theater productions many times.(See below for a list of films). In The Velveteen Rabbit Christian Movie Review, I give parents the information they need before viewing this movie with their children.

I remember the first time someone read a version of The Velveteen Rabbit (or How Toys Become Real) to me. I was six years old, and she was a teenager. However, I didn’t love this book. Instead, I hated the outcome of this story. I was already a child who had undergone the loss of a grandmother and uncle. My younger sister almost died. 

Shortly after reading that book to me, the teenage girl was out of my life. I couldn’t share how devastated I was with anyone. Additionally, I didn’t have a support system that recognized that I wasn’t okay emotionally. But I did have a doll that I loved. And that doll meant everything to me.

The Velveteen Rabbit Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

Based on the treasured, classic children’s book by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit” celebrates the magic of unconditional love. When 7-year-old William receives a new favorite toy for Christmas, he discovers a lifelong friend and unlocks a world of magic.

My Synopsis:

William is a young and shy boy, and right before Christmas, he moves with his mother and father to a new house and school. He has no friends at this new place and when he gets a stuffed rabbit for Christmas, that toy becomes his best friend rarely leaving his side.

Meanwhile, the rabbit is picked on by the other playroom toys. They are “real” toys with jointed arms, legs, and moving parts, but he is just a stuffed toy that can’t move his legs. The rocking horse in the playroom tells him you become real by being loved by a child. 

The Velveteen Rabbit Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language: 

No foul language.

Violence:

The Velveteen Rabbit is made fun of by some other toys. In fact, he is even banished to the far corner of the playroom.

William and Rabbit encounter a wolf during their adventures. These make-believe adventures are shown in animation, while the rest of the film is live-action.

The rabbit is rolled up and taken out in sheets to be burned. However, he does not get burned.

Spiritual Content:

Some faith-filled Christmas songs are sung, and William and his family attend church on Christmas.

Father Christmas is mentioned.

A fairy appears, and magic is used to turn Rabbit from a stuffed toy into a real rabbit.

William builds “fairy houses” in an attempt to catch fairies. 

Other Content:

William gets very sick. It is mentioned that William’s uncle nearly died of the same sickness. Additionally, his mother is shown crying while she watches him in bed.

(In the book, it is scarlet fever, and at that time, in 1922, it was believed that the only way to stop the spread was to burn all the sheets and toys that were exposed to the child).

Positive Content:

This film highlights the trials and fears many children experience — making friends, moving, and loss. William didn’t want to move, and leave his old friends behind. Eventually, he did make friends in his new location. 

Self-Sacrifice: In one scene, Rabbit is told that he will be burned if he spends time with William while he is sick. All the toys hide, but Rabbit stands ready to go to William’s side. He knows the eventual outcome, but he willingly sacrifices his life to comfort his friend.

Teaching with The Velveteen Rabbit

Read the book The Velveteen Rabbit. If you think your child cannot sit through the original version, get a picture book version.

Research scarlet fever. What is the disease, and why do we not see many cases of scarlet fever anymore? How is scarlet fever treated? When was penicillin invented? (1928) When was penicillin first used on a patient? (1941) What year was The Velveteen Rabbit written? (1922)

Learn about real rabbits.

What other books can you think of that have rabbits (or movies)? Peter Rabbit, The Runaway Bunny, Winnie the Pooh are a few.

Finally, talk about their favorite toys. What other movies have toys coming to life? (Toy Story, Pinocchio, Nutcracker, The Indian in the Cupboard)

Christian Review of The Velveteen Rabbit (2023) – My Viewing Recommendations

First, I did shed a tear watching this movie. Furthermore, you will probably shed some tears, but your child may not. It is a lovely adaptation of a classic book. 

This movie is suitable for all audiences and is the perfect Christmas film to watch with your family. 

About the Movie:

Rating: G

Release Date: November 22, 2023

Runtime: 44 minutes

Genre: Family

Studio: A Magic Light Productions, Apple TV Original

Director: Jennifer Perrott, Rick Thiele

Written by: Tom Bidwell

Based on the Book by Margery Williams, first published in 1922.

Produced by: Martin Pope

Distributed by: Apple TV+

The Cast of The Velveteen Rabbit:

Phoenix Laroche as William

Alex Lawther as Velveteen Rabbit

Helena Bonham Carter as Wise Horse

Nicola Coughlan as Playroom Fairy

Bethany Anotonia as Female Rabbit

Lois Chimimba as Car

Paterson Joseph as King

Clive Rowe as Lion

Nathaniel Parker as Male Rabbit

Samantha Colley as Mother

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch The Velveteen Rabbit?

The 2023 film, The Velveteen Rabbit, can be found streaming on Apple TV+. It was released onto Apple TV on November 22, 2023.

Are there other movie versions of The Velveteen Rabbit?

Yes. The first film I could find was a 19-minute LSB Productions film that won several awards.

Next, in 1976, Rankin/Bass produced The First Easter Rabbit that was an adaptation of the book.

There is the 2009 Velveteen Rabbit, rated G and produced by Feature Films for Families. This film was live-action and animated. In fact, this version starred Jane Seymour, Tom Skerritt, Ellen Burstyn, and Steven Crowder. 

Furthermore, there was a clay animation film by director Lindsay Van Blerk, released in 2003.

Additionally, there was a 1985 made-for-television film narrated by Christopher Plummer and a 1985 film narrated by Meryl Streep.

Also, a 1988 video narrated by Amy Irving had a runtime of 24 minutes.

Will The Velveteen Rabbit stream on Disney+? 

No. This film is an Apple TV+ original film, so therefore, it will not stream on Disney+.

Will The Velveteen Rabbit be streaming on Apple TV+? 

Yes. This film was released straight to Apple TV+ on November 22, 2023.

Will The Velveteen Rabbit be streaming on Peacock?

No. Since this film is an Apple TV original, it will not stream on Peacock.