Here's how it breaks down:
* Max's anger and loneliness: Max, the protagonist, is a young boy struggling with anger and loneliness after a fight with his mother. He runs away to an island inhabited by wild things, projecting his own feelings onto them.
* The wild things as a reflection of Max's inner world: The wild things, while initially appearing chaotic and frightening, are actually a manifestation of Max's own emotions. They are his anger, his need for control, and his desire for connection.
* Facing the responsibility of leadership: As the king of the wild things, Max learns that power comes with responsibility. He has to learn to manage his own emotions and those of the other wild things.
* The journey of self-discovery and acceptance: Max's journey on the island is a journey of self-discovery. He learns to accept his own feelings and the complexities of his relationship with his mother.
* The power of love and connection: Max eventually realizes that his true home is with his family and that the love and connection he craves can be found in the real world.
While the movie has fantastical elements, it ultimately explores the universal experience of childhood emotions, navigating relationships, and finding ways to cope with challenges.