Resolving Age Paradoxes in The Incredibles 2: Suspension of Belief and Cinematic Licensing

When discussing the sequel to The Incredibles, fans often come across a perplexing question: If Winston and his sister look as old as Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, how could they have been kids when their parents died? Superheroes being illegal at the time of their parents' demise adds another layer of complexity to this conundrum. In crafting scenarios for franchises like these, writers and producers often need to take a bit of dramatic license, presenting characters in a certain age range while glossing over chronological inconsistencies.

Engaging Audiences with Suspension of Belief

The writers and producers of major movie franchises, including The Incredibles 2, depend on the audience's willingness to suspend their disbelief. This concept is not as foreign as it might seem; a classic example often cited is the Superman tagline from 1978, which reads, "You will believe a man can fly." This tagline directly invites viewers to accept and believe in the fantastic elements of the story, making the narrative more enjoyable.

For a movie like The Incredibles 2, the suspension of disbelief is a bit more subtle. Viewers are asked to accept certain tweaks and adjustments that allow for an interesting and enjoyable narrative with the beloved characters they already love. One such tweak involves the characters’ age appearances and the timeline of events that occurred during superheroes' illegal status.

Scripting for Chronological Consistency or Suspension

Dealing with the age paradoxes in The Incredibles 2 requires a creative approach. Writers might have written several lines of dialogue or even pages addressing this inconsistency but ultimately chose to cut certain backstory and expositional information to streamline the movie and improve its runtime. This is a common practice in filmmaking, where the goal is to provide an engaging and coherent story without overwhelming the audience with excessive details.

For instance, a potential scene or segment that addresses the timeline issue might have been included to explain how Winston and his sister managed to appear old while still being young. This could involve narrative tricks, unforeseen developments, or even the introduction of secret identities or secret pasts that explain the characters' current appearances.

Accepting the Magic in Suspension of Disbelief

The magic of watching a The Incredibles film lies in the ability to immerse oneself in the story and characters without questioning every detail. The writers and producers understand that perfect chronological accuracy is not always necessary. Instead, they craft narratives that are compelling, emotionally engaging, and fun to watch. This is achieved through the strategic use of dramatic license, where certain inconsistencies are allowed to stand in the interest of the story's flow and the audience's enjoyment.

The Incredibles 2, as with any sequel, needs to build upon the established universe while providing new elements and plot twists. The writers could introduce a background story for Winston and his sister that explains their different appearances. For example, they could have gone through a time of accelerated aging due to the impact of the superhero community's illegal status. Or, they could be playing a different role or identity due to the danger their parents faced, leading to a reason for their current appearance.

Ultimately, the ability of filmmakers to engage the audience through suspension of disbelief is a testament to the power of storytelling. The Incredibles franchise relies on the audience's willingness to believe in the magical and the impossible, making the experience that much more enjoyable and memorable.

Conclusion: The Incredibles 2 presents an opportunity for writers to creatively address issues of age and timeline, much like the original The Incredibles did with its own set of challenges. Through strategic storytelling and the intelligent use of dramatic license, the filmmakers create a compelling narrative that allows viewers to suspend their disbelief and fully immerse themselves in the world of the Incredibles.