Dolittle (2020), directed by Stephen Gaghan, revives the classic character Dr. John Dolittle in a colorful, family-friendly adventure where animals talk, kingdoms fall into danger, and healing requires more emotional courage than medical skill. Below is a complete, spoiler-filled breakdown of the movie and everything surrounding it.
Detailed Summary
The Reclusive Doctor and His Animal Sanctuary
The film begins years after Dolittle’s wife, Lily, has died at sea. Heartbroken, Dolittle isolates himself inside his manor with his animal companions, refusing all human interaction. This intro makes it clear that his grief defines his life. The estate belongs to the crown and remains protected only because the Queen once gifted it to him. If she dies, Dolittle loses everything.
The Queen’s Illness and a Desperate Mission
Young Tommy Stubbins accidentally injures a squirrel, which leads him to Dolittle. At the same time, Lady Rose arrives requesting Dolittle’s help because Queen Victoria is gravely ill. Although initially unwilling, Dolittle eventually agrees after discovering the queen was poisoned. The cure requires a legendary fruit from the Eden Tree, found only on a mythical island.
The Journey Begins: Old Rivals, New Alliances
Dolittle, Tommy, and the animal crew sail off, but the path is not clean. Dolittle’s old rival, Dr. Mudfly, schemes to stop him. Meanwhile, the animals struggle with their insecurities: Chee-Chee the gorilla must face fear, Plimpton the ostrich must find confidence, and Yoshi the bear simply wants to eat. Their comedic and heartfelt moments show how Dolittle’s gift is as much about healing souls as healing bodies.
The Pirate Island and Family Secrets
Dolittle’s path leads him to Lily’s father, the pirate king Rassouli, who blames Dolittle for his daughter’s death. After a dramatic escape involving tigers, lions, and a rooftop dive, Dolittle discovers clues left by Lily about the Eden Tree.
Facing the Dragon
At the mythical island, the group encounters a dragon, injured and deeply constipated (yes, really). Dolittle realizes the dragon’s aggressive behavior comes from pain and performs a strange but heroic medical procedure to help it. This scene blends comedy and symbolism: Dolittle helps another grieving soul heal itself.
Movie Ending
Dolittle retrieves the cure by obtaining the Eden Tree fruit immediately after helping the dragon. With the fruit in hand, he returns to London as Queen Victoria’s life is fading. The queen is saved when Dolittle uses the fruit to cleanse the poison from her bloodstream. The villain, Lord Badgley, is exposed as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt.
The conclusion shows Dolittle reopening his clinic to the public, no longer isolating himself. Tommy becomes his apprentice, and the animals celebrate their renewed purpose. The ending emphasizes themes of healing after loss, courage to reconnect with the world, and the importance of empathy.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes. There is a mid-credits scene featuring Dr. Mudfly, who survives his earlier defeat and comically attempts to talk to bats. There are no additional scenes after the credits fully roll.
Type of Movie
Dolittle is a fantasy adventure film with strong family-comedy elements. It blends whimsical animal dialogue with a classic quest narrative aimed at younger audiences and nostalgic adults.
Cast
- Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. John Dolittle
- Antonio Banderas as King Rassouli
- Michael Sheen as Dr. Blair Mudfly
- Jessie Buckley as Queen Victoria
- Harry Collett as Tommy Stubbins
- Voice cast includes Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Octavia Spencer, Kumail Nanjiani, Tom Holland, Selena Gomez, and Marion Cotillard
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Danny Elfman, known for creating whimsical, emotionally resonant music. His soundtrack adds warmth, tension, and adventure to the film’s journey, helping maintain the lighthearted tone even when the story grows more serious.
Filming Locations
- United Kingdom: Much of the film was shot in various locations around England, including studios and outdoor sets that brought Victorian London to life.
- Wales: Scenes involving natural landscapes were filmed in Welsh countryside, adding authenticity to Dolittle’s animal sanctuary and the island adventures.
- Shepperton Studios: Many of the CGI-heavy scenes required controlled studio environments. The studio’s facilities allowed the team to integrate actors with digitally created animals and fantastical environments.
These locations were crucial in blending historical settings with the fantasy elements of the film.
Awards and Nominations
While Dolittle did not earn significant major awards, it received several nominations in categories related to visual effects, family film, and animal character animation at smaller award ceremonies and children’s choice programs.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The production reportedly went through extensive reshoots, involving new writers and additional comedic scenes.
- Robert Downey Jr. chose to give Dolittle a Welsh accent as a tribute to a childhood mentor.
- Many scenes with animals required complex CGI placeholders, making filming heavily reliant on imagination.
- The script underwent multiple tonal adjustments to appeal to family audiences.
- The dragon sequence was redesigned several times to balance humor with emotional impact.
Inspirations and References
- The film is adapted from Hugh Lofting’s “Doctor Dolittle” books.
- It draws inspiration from classic adventure novels and fantasy voyages.
- Visual elements reference old illustrations from early Dolittle editions.
- The film avoids direct connection to the Eddie Murphy Dolittle films, choosing instead to stay closer to the original book’s spirit.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Reportedly cut material included:
- More flashbacks showing Dolittle and Lily’s relationship.
- Extended comedic sequences with the animals.
- A more dramatic confrontation with Lord Badgley.
These were removed to streamline pacing and keep the final runtime family-friendly.
Book Adaptation and Differences
While based on Lofting’s universe, the film takes notable liberties:
- The Eden Tree and dragon storyline are not from the original books.
- Lily Dolittle plays a larger and more adventurous role in the film.
- The animals’ personalities are modernized with contemporary humor.
- The movie compresses multiple book adventures into a single quest narrative.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Dolittle performing surgery on the squirrel while arguing with the other animals.
- The tiger Barry confronting Dolittle in the prison cell.
- Dolittle’s dramatic escape from Rassouli’s island.
- The dragon’s emotional healing scene.
- Dolittle returning triumphant to save the Queen.
Iconic Quotes
- “It’s only by helping others that we truly help ourselves.”
- “Some wounds don’t heal the way you expect them to.”
- “Courage is not the absence of fear.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Dolittle’s workshop contains medical journals referencing earlier book editions.
- A portrait of Lily shows her holding the same journal Dolittle uses on his journey.
- Several animal characters are nods to animals featured in Lofting’s earliest stories.
- The pirate island flag includes symbols representing Lily’s voyages across book canon.
Trivia
- Robert Downey Jr. kept several props from the set, including Dolittle’s coat.
- John Cena and Kumail Nanjiani improvised many of their animal lines.
- The production involved over 1,000 visual effects artists.
- The film’s dragon was intentionally designed to look like an amalgamation of European folklore creatures.
Why Watch?
Because Dolittle offers a visually rich, warm-hearted adventure with themes of grief, healing, and rediscovering purpose. It’s also entertaining for families, admirers of Robert Downey Jr., and anyone craving a light fantasy escape.
Director’s Other Movies
- Syriana (2005)
- Gold (2016)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
- Paddington (2014)
- Dr. Dolittle (1998)
- Pete’s Dragon (2016)
- Alice in Wonderland (2010)
