The Uncomfortable Truth: Why the Elephant Scene Haunts It Takes Two

The Cutie the Elephant scene in It Takes Two serves as a pivotal, albeit deeply unsettling, moment that highlights the selfishness and deteriorated state of May and Cody’s marriage. It’s a brutal illustration of how far they’ve drifted from empathy and understanding, prioritizing their own desires to return to their bodies over the emotional well-being of their daughter, Rose. By forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions – manipulating their child’s emotions by destroying a beloved toy – the game forces players to grapple with the uncomfortable realities of marital breakdown and its impact on children. This scene is not gratuitous; it’s a deliberate narrative choice to emphasize the lengths to which May and Cody are willing to go, pushing them to acknowledge their flaws and, ultimately, sparking the potential for reconciliation.

Unpacking the Emotional Weight of Cutie’s Demise

The brilliance, and arguably the controversy, of the Cutie scene lies in its stark portrayal of May and Cody’s moral decay. Before this moment, their bickering and selfishness were somewhat comical, presented within the context of a fantastical game world. However, the act of deliberately causing their daughter pain by killing her favorite toy is a jarring shift, forcing them (and the players) to confront the devastating consequences of their actions.

The scene isn’t just about physical destruction; it’s about emotional manipulation. May and Cody exploit Rose’s vulnerability, knowing that her tears are their ticket back to normalcy. This calculated cruelty reveals the depth of their self-absorption and underscores the urgency of their need for personal growth.

Furthermore, Cutie herself is not a passive victim. Her pleas for mercy, her attempts to reason with May and Cody, and her desperate efforts to defend herself, add a layer of emotional complexity to the scene. We, as players, are forced to witness her fear and desperation, making us complicit in their act of emotional terrorism.

The death of Cutie serves as a catalyst for change. The guilt and regret that May and Cody experience after the event, though initially subtle, plant the seeds for their eventual reconciliation. It’s a painful lesson learned, but one that is essential for their character arcs. They begin to understand the emotional collateral damage their conflict is causing Rose, which ultimately motivates them to re-evaluate their relationship and prioritize their daughter’s well-being.

The Scene’s Impact on the Game’s Themes

The Cutie the Elephant scene reinforces several core themes in It Takes Two:

• Communication Breakdown: The scene highlights the disastrous consequences of a lack of empathy and open communication. May and Cody fail to understand each other’s perspectives and, as a result, resort to drastic measures to achieve their goals.

• Selfishness vs. Selflessness: The death of Cutie underscores the destructive nature of selfishness and the importance of selflessness in a healthy relationship. It forces May and Cody to confront their own egocentric desires and to recognize the needs of others, particularly their daughter.

• The Impact of Divorce on Children: The scene subtly addresses the emotional toll that divorce can take on children. Rose’s pain and confusion are a direct result of her parents’ inability to resolve their differences amicably. The game emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a child’s well-being even when a relationship ends.

• The Power of Reconciliation: While the Cutie scene is deeply disturbing, it ultimately paves the way for reconciliation. The guilt and regret that May and Cody experience after the event motivate them to work together and rebuild their relationship, demonstrating the transformative power of empathy and forgiveness.

Controversy and Narrative Risk

It’s important to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the Cutie the Elephant scene. Some players find it to be excessively violent and emotionally disturbing, questioning its necessity within the context of a seemingly lighthearted game. However, the developers at Hazelight Studios deliberately took this risk to create a more impactful and thought-provoking narrative.

By pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in a family-friendly game, they forced players to confront difficult questions about relationships, selfishness, and the impact of parental conflict on children. The scene, while uncomfortable, ultimately serves a purpose in the overall narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters and themes of It Takes Two.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the purpose and context of the Cutie the Elephant scene in It Takes Two:

Is the Cutie the Elephant scene necessary for the plot?

Yes, the scene is crucial. It demonstrates the depth of May and Cody’s dysfunction and acts as a catalyst for their character development, leading to reconciliation.

Could the game have achieved the same effect without killing Cutie?

Possibly, but the shock value and emotional impact of the scene are undeniably powerful. A less drastic approach might not have conveyed the same level of selfishness and desperation.

Is the scene too violent for a game marketed towards families?

This is subjective. Some find it excessive, while others believe it’s a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, depiction of the consequences of parental conflict.

What does Cutie the Elephant symbolize?

Cutie symbolizes Rose’s innocence and the emotional connection she has with her parents. Her death represents the damage May and Cody’s conflict is inflicting on their daughter.

How did players react to the Cutie the Elephant scene?

Reactions were mixed. Some praised it for its emotional depth and narrative impact, while others criticized it for being overly violent and disturbing.

Did the developers ever consider removing the scene?

There’s no public information suggesting the developers considered removing the scene, indicating they were committed to their creative vision.

Is the game trying to glorify animal cruelty?

No, the scene’s purpose is to highlight the flaws of the main characters and demonstrate the consequences of their actions. It’s a critique of selfishness, not an endorsement of cruelty.

Does Rose ever find out what happened to Cutie?

The game doesn’t explicitly show Rose finding out about Cutie’s fate. The focus is on May and Cody’s realization of their actions.

How does the Cutie scene contribute to the game’s message about relationships?

It reinforces the importance of empathy, communication, and selflessness in a healthy relationship. It shows the devastating consequences of prioritizing individual desires over the well-being of loved ones.

Is there any way to skip the Cutie the Elephant scene?

No, the scene is an integral part of the game’s narrative and cannot be skipped.

How long does the Cutie the Elephant scene last?

The actual act of killing Cutie is relatively brief, but the emotional fallout and its impact on the story are significant and reverberate throughout the game.

Is It Takes Two the only game with a controversial scene like this?

No, many games explore complex and uncomfortable themes, often pushing boundaries to create a more impactful and thought-provoking experience.

What should parents consider before letting their children play It Takes Two?

Parents should be aware of the game’s mature themes and potentially disturbing content, including the Cutie the Elephant scene. They should consider their child’s emotional maturity and ability to process complex narratives.

How does the game redeem May and Cody after the Cutie the Elephant scene?

Through their collaborative efforts to overcome challenges, May and Cody gradually learn to communicate effectively, empathize with each other, and prioritize their daughter’s well-being. Their journey of self-discovery and reconciliation demonstrates their capacity for growth and change.

What is the overall message of It Takes Two?

The game’s overarching message emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and compromise in relationships. It highlights the power of working together to overcome challenges and the enduring importance of love and family. This message can tie in with learning in Games Learning Society programs.

The Cutie the Elephant scene in It Takes Two remains a topic of discussion and debate, underscoring its effectiveness as a narrative device. While undeniably disturbing, it serves a crucial purpose in highlighting the flaws of the main characters and setting them on a path toward reconciliation. It is a calculated risk that ultimately contributes to the game’s overall message about the importance of communication, empathy, and love in relationships. You can find resources and articles on how games teach us life skills at GamesLearningSociety.org.