Mario Martinez Ignacio is a writer from Mexico City. As a child, he spent most of his free time deep-diving into online wikis, which sparked a passion for lore and worldbuilding. Driven by his love for writing, Mario obtained a BFA in Dramatic Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2024. With the objective of inspiring others, he fuses writing and education to create narratives that entertain while igniting curiosity and fostering new perspectives, one word at a time.
Mar 7, 2025
Table of Contents
Fantasy is defined by magical elements beyond our reality. These allow filmmakers to blend escapism with social commentary, engaging viewers and inspiring thought.
In the realm of visual storytelling, the design of intricate, otherworldly settings acts as a lens, allowing writers to tackle societal issues while inspiring audiences to reflect on familiar truths wrapped in wonder.
Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ is a great example. He utilizes this eerie world set five years after the Spanish Civil War to broach realities such as war and trauma, with disobedience being a leading theme in the film. The film explores the early years of the Francoist Dictatorship in Spain, depicting the harsh experiences faced by those who opposed the regime. Through the eyes of Ophelia (Ivana Baquero), del Toro juxtaposes the savageries of existence with the cover of a fantastical realm.
Fantasy’s magic lies in its ability to layer realism with imagination, weaving unfathomable realms into immersive spaces where audiences find echoes of their own world. This fusion creates potential for exploration, allowing viewers to connect with themes that are meaningful and resonate on a personal level. In this context, characters emerge as vital conduits of arcane knowledge, shedding light on life’s complexities and inspiring discussions about the challenges we face on a daily basis.
The human mind is relational, even in Fantasy Cinema, we like to relate to the characters. This allows for the creation of characters designed to display more personal hardships like mental disorders and psychological conditions. Hayao Miyazaki did so with Chihiro (JA: Rumi Hiiragi | US: Daveigh Chase) in ‘Spirited Away’, using it to talk about the fear of change and anxiety.
Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall) from Patrick Ness‘s ‘A Monster Calls‘ suffers from melancholia. Using dissociation as a coping mechanism to deal with his mother’s illness and the loneliness caused by bullying at school. The Monster is a manifestation of his internal conflict, providing a means to confront his fears and anger. This approach emphasizes how psychological difficulties can be externalized, allowing audiences to understand the gravity of Conor’s experiences and the mental toll of enduring profound sadness and isolation at such a young age.
Characters designed to embody complex emotional struggles invite viewers to connect with their stories on a more personal level. They illuminate the universal truths of human emotion by dealing with personal struggles, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own struggles. These portrayals foster empathy and highlight the importance of confronting personal challenges. Thus, fantasy becomes an effective tool for examining current issues, improving stories, and broadening viewers’ understanding of the human condition.
The conflicts and obstacles faced by characters in fantastical narratives, both external and internal, serve as crucial catalysts for deeper stories, converting individual struggles into wider insights about the human experience.
By using these complex worlds and characters, filmmakers are able to forge strong narratives that delve into profound themes, inviting audiences to scrutinize their values and beliefs. By exploring the interplay between fantasy and reality, writers unlock fresh viewpoints, encouraging audiences to question societal norms and embrace the complexities of their emotions.
The creation of more realistic and grounded characters grants audiences a path for deeper connection with their favorite films, feeling seen and included. This involvement enhances the emotional depth of the narratives, letting viewers attain solace and wisdom from the characters’ experiences. By incorporating these experiences into their storytelling, filmmakers are able to delve into deep themes of perseverance and development, telling stories that resonate on multiple levels and reflect the complexities of human life.
Merging imaginative settings with authentic human experiences transforms storytelling into a multifaceted journey. This synergy allows storytellers to develop more intricate plotlines and deeper character development that make the story more unique. When the plot has some realism, it allows audiences to have a tighter grasp on the rules of an otherwise unreachable universe, making such mystical tales more believable.
Fantasy transcends mere escapism. As Lloyd Alexander said, “Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it”. This viewpoint emphasizes how fantasy not only captivates us but also encourages in-depth reflections on our own lives and social issues. By immersing audiences in skillfully designed stories, filmmakers can shed light on the complexities of being human, granting us the power and courage to confront our troubles and fears. When viewed through this enchanted lens, fantasy can become a powerful tool for connecting, helping us to relate to our shared struggles and understandings.
By Mario Martinez Ignacio
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Mario Martinez Ignacio is a writer from Mexico City. As a child, he spent most of his free time deep-diving into online wikis, which sparked a passion for lore and worldbuilding. Driven by his love for writing, Mario obtained a BFA in Dramatic Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2024. With the objective of inspiring others, he fuses writing and education to create narratives that entertain while igniting curiosity and fostering new perspectives, one word at a time.
Mario Martinez Ignacio is a writer from Mexico City. As a child, he spent most of his free time deep-diving into online wikis, which sparked a passion for lore and worldbuilding. Driven by his love for writing, Mario obtained a BFA in Dramatic Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2024. With the objective of inspiring others, he fuses writing and education to create narratives that entertain while igniting curiosity and fostering new perspectives, one word at a time.
Mario Martinez Ignacio is a writer from Mexico City. As a child, he spent most of his free time deep-diving into online wikis, which sparked a passion for lore and worldbuilding. Driven by his love for writing, Mario obtained a BFA in Dramatic Writing at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2024. With the objective of inspiring others, he fuses writing and education to create narratives that entertain while igniting curiosity and fostering new perspectives, one word at a time.
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