The Restoration of Old Man Marley

“This is the place to be if you’re feeling bad about yourself.”

Old Man Marley

Home Alone is, of course, a classic. The nostaglia hits the instance the opening scene begins.

I always loved when Kevin sets up the traps. Child-made justice rummaged onto wicked robbers hit the 10 year old heart.

Childhood movies become part of our scenic background of development. And such memories can be most challenging to think critically about.

Last time I watched Home Alone, something dawned on me: Old Man Marley’s character arc.

He is initially portrayed as a spooky old man. Lore, myths, legends abound from the McAllister children. This fear drives Kevin through much of the movie’s background. The audience is left wondering, “Is Kevin more afraid of Marv and Harry OR Old Man Marley?”

Kevin, at least, engages Marv and Harry. He confidently prepares for their return multiple times. But with each glimpse of the Old Man, Kevin hides, runs away,

We finally discover the real Old Man Marley through the lens of Kevin’s transformation.

It’s no accident that the church building is where Kevin seeks help, and in walks a smiling Old Man, wishing him a Merry Christmas. We soon learn that the Old Man has a story—he carries worries and fears. He has an estranged relationship with his adult son. He is not welcome in his family’s lives nor their Christmas celebrations. Yet, he’s open to the perspective of a young child (Kevin).

Home Alone is about transformations. Two in particular. As I child, I figured it was Kevin’s. As an adult, I see it more as Old Man Marley’s. In the final scene, we find both he and Kevin joyfully restored to their families. The turmoil of Kevin’s few days without his family was a metaphor for what the Old Man felt for years being estranged from his son.

There is hope and restoration for all this and every Christmas.

“Old Man Marley” (2023), Matt Taylor