Keira Knightley recently opened up about her parenting journey, and her experiences are something many parents can relate to. Remember those days before kids, when you thought you’d be the perfect parent? You envisioned a world where your little ones would never sway your decisions. But then reality sets in, and you find yourself in a situation much like Knightley’s.
Back in 2018, the actress, who has two daughters—Edie, 4, and Delilah, just six months—caused quite a stir when she declared that she would prohibit Edie from watching certain classic Disney films. Cinderella was at the top of her list for a very specific reason: “She waits around for a rich guy to rescue her. Don’t. Rescue yourself obviously.” As for The Little Mermaid, despite Knightley’s fondness for it, she said, “Do not give up your voice for a man, hello!”
Although she was firm in her stance at the time, the latest interview with a popular magazine brought a surprising confession. “She’s watched them all now,” Knightley admitted with a playful sigh. However, there’s a silver lining—her teachings seem to have made an impact. While watching Sleeping Beauty, Edie remarked, “It’s not OK that man kissed her without her permission!” Knightley beamed with pride, saying, “If I don’t do anything else, I’ve managed to drum that in!”
Welcome to the club, Keira! We totally understand the struggle. Many parents feel humbled by the realization that they will inevitably face some of the same challenges that previous generations experienced. It’s a common theme in parenting; you begin with a plan, only to find yourself at the mercy of pint-sized rulers.
Knightley’s desire to protect her daughters from outdated stereotypes is commendable. Throughout her career, she has aimed to address the disparity in how women and men are portrayed. “The crazy difference between how women were allowed to behave versus how men were allowed to behave was so huge,” she explained. This extends to her current projects, which are often directed by women, emphasizing the importance of female perspectives. Her latest film, Misbehaviour, directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, is set to be released in the UK on March 13.
By collaborating with female directors, Knightley highlights the necessity of women narrating their experiences, which, as she puts it, don’t all culminate in a “happily ever after.” “What the f*** happens after happily ever after?” she challenges. She doesn’t subscribe to the notion of a flawless portrayal of motherhood or a singular narrative her daughters should aspire to. Instead, she embraces the complexities of life, remarking, “the rest of it also exists.”
It’s reassuring to see the evolution of Disney princesses, with characters like Tiana, Moana, and Merida providing fresh narratives that challenge the old tropes.
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In summary, Keira Knightley’s journey through parenting and her evolving stance on Disney movies reflects the universal struggles many parents face. While she initially sought to shield her daughters from traditional narratives, her experiences reveal the reality of parenting—embracing imperfections and celebrating the lessons learned along the way.
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