Phoebe in Wonderland 2009

Nine-year-old Phoebe Lichten is a vibrant girl grappling with Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which makes her home life lively yet poses challenges at school. While at home, she expresses her creativity freely, but her unconventional behavior often alienates her from classmates. Her parents, Hillary and Peter, genuinely love her but seem to misinterpret her unique talents; for instance, Hillary, an author, compares Phoebe’s poetry style to that of the famous poet E.E. Cummings. In an attempt to bond with her peers, Phoebe forms a friendship with Jamie, an effeminate boy who faces bullying, but her social interactions are often hindered by impulsive actions, such as an incident where she spit in another student’s face during recess, which leaves her feeling isolated.

When the principal summons Phoebe’s parents to discuss her behavior, they downplay the situation, focusing more on their daughter’s supposed brilliance than the behavior that led them there. In hopes of opening Phoebe’s world, Hillary and Peter take her and her sister Olivia to a live performance of Swan Lake. The extravagance of the ballet, with its stunning costumes and enchanting music, captures Phoebe’s heart, prompting her to approach the school’s quirky drama teacher, Miss Dodger, who is often ostracized by fellow instructors. Initially hesitant, Miss Dodger quickly develops an understanding of Phoebe, especially once she learns about Phoebe’s compulsive handwashing habits.

Phoebe’s enthusiasm for the school’s upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland is contagious. She immerses herself in rehearsals, practicing every single line with the determination of an actress who fears being “fired” for any misstep. Her rigorous preparations include leaping off stairs until her ankles bear bruises and meticulously stepping on every cobblestone in her garden in the correct sequence. While Olivia tries to imitate Phoebe’s patterns, it becomes evident that Phoebe’s commitment to the play serves as more than a mere hobby; it represents a vital coping mechanism amid her tumultuous thoughts and emotions.

As she dives deeper into the play, Phoebe starts conjuring imaginary friends, most notably Alice herself. In light of her erratic behavior, her parents consult a therapist who suggests medication, but Hillary dismisses this idea. When questioned by the principal about Phoebe’s behavior outside of school, Hillary insists that nothing is amiss, despite being aware of her daughter’s troubling actions at home. An embarrassing episode during Halloween trick-or-treating, where Phoebe unkindly calls a heavy-set woman a “fat pig,” leads to her removal from the play, which devastates her and reinforces her feelings of being an outsider. In a desperate attempt to restore Phoebe’s confidence, Hillary collaborates with Miss Dodger to bring her back to the stage.

As Phoebe’s life spirals into a series of misunderstandings, she faces a false accusation of harming the class pet, Carlita the gerbil, which ignites her anger and results in her lashing out at her classmates. Meanwhile, Jamie experiences a fleeting victory when he lands the role of the Red Queen, only to see his joy marred by a hurtful homophobic comment regarding his costume. Phoebe, with her characteristic empathy, reaches out to Jamie in a show of friendship. Moreover, Hillary is surprised when Miss Dodger states that Phoebe has not shown troubling behavior during rehearsals, illustrating the stark contrast between Phoebe’s supportive relationship with Miss Dodger and the complexities of her home life.

As conflicts brew at home, Peter’s hurtful remark about Hillary’s capacity to manage another child profoundly affects Phoebe. In a quest for normalcy, she and Olivia excitedly express the wish for a new sibling, not realizing that Peter is increasingly anxious about Phoebe’s mental health.

Despite the hurdles, Phoebe is reinstated in the play, though her internal battles simmer just beneath her cheerful demeanor. Under Miss Dodger’s guidance, Phoebe learns the importance of self-acceptance—a lesson vital for her journey through adolescence. After a touching interaction with her imaginary friend, Alice, Phoebe reacts impulsively, jumping from a catwalk and landing badly, resulting in a broken wrist.

The repercussions of her actions are swift; Miss Dodger is dismissed by the principal, who questions her role in Phoebe’s incident. In a frenzied outburst, Phoebe’s peers destroy the play’s set, symbolizing their shared despair, yet amidst the turmoil, Phoebe finds a renewed sense of purpose.

In the wake of Miss Dodger’s exit, Phoebe steps forward, encouraging her classmates to keep rehearsing despite their grief. In a poignant exchange, Hillary candidly shares her own experiences with Tourette syndrome, enabling Phoebe to educate her friends about her condition, ultimately fostering an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.