Dolittle (2020)

Stephen Gaghan directed the American fantasy adventure film, Dolittle (2020). The screenplay was co-written by Gaghan, Dan Gregor, and Doug Mand, based on a story by Thomas Shepherd. Set in Victorian era Britain, the film follows Dr. John Dolittle, a Welsh veterinarian with the unique ability to communicate with animals. After his wife Lily’s death at sea, Dolittle isolates himself from human society and focuses solely on caring for the animals in his sanctuary, which was gifted to him by Queen Victoria. However, when young Tommy Stubbins accidentally injures a red squirrel named Kevin, he is guided to Dolittle’s home by Polynesia the macaw. Polynesia hopes that Tommy’s arrival will help Dolittle reconnect with humans. Meanwhile, Queen Victoria sends her maid of honor, Lady Rose, to ask for Dolittle’s assistance when she falls seriously ill. Upon treating Kevin and learning from Polynesia that he would lose his home if the queen dies, Dolittle agrees to see Queen Victoria at Lady Rose’s request.

At her palace, Dolittle is surprised to find Victoria under the care of his lifelong rival, Dr. Blair Müdfly. In the presence of Müdfly and Lord Thomas Badgley, he diagnoses her with poisoning from nightshade. The only cure is a magical fruit from the Eden Tree. Determined to obtain it, Dolittle sets off on an expedition, leaving his loyal lurcher Jip and trusty stick insect Styx to watch over the Queen while he’s gone. He brings along Chee-Chee the gorilla, Yoshi the polar bear, and Poly for company on his journey, but refuses to take Tommy. However, Poly takes matters into her own hooves and sends Betsy the giraffe and Tutu the fox to fetch Tommy. With Dolittle’s newfound ability to communicate with animals, he is able to help out on the ship while being pursued by Müdfly.