"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" focuses heavily on the relationships parents have with their children. While Miles Morales hides his heroism from his parents, Gwen's dad finds out about hers near the beginning of the film. And when Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) shows up, he's got a toddler in tow. Parenting and its exigent struggles are one of the film's core themes.
Although the story is told from the point of view of its young heroes, it doesn't shy away from placing equal weight on the emotions of their parents. Gwen and Miles both want their parents to love and support them regardless of who they are, and although their parents have their best interests at heart, they struggle to find the right balance.
As all three sets of parents come to learn, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to raising a child. Jefferson and Rio Morales (Brian Tyree Henry and Luna Lauren Velez) are pulled apart over their different parenting philosophies, with Jefferson erring on the side of tough love and Rio hoping that Miles will open up to her if she lets him be himself.
In another universe, George Stacy (Shea Whigham) discovers that his daughter Gwen is Spider-Woman, who he has been working tirelessly to apprehend since he wrongfully believes she killed her friend Peter (Jack Quaid). At first, he's unwilling to accept her, but he ultimately chooses to accept his daughter, declaring parenting to be a mystery.
Finally, we have Peter B. Parker, who tells Miles that he only had his daughter because he hoped she'd turn out like him. Peter is overwhelmed by the joy of new fatherhood but terrified he'll screw it all up. Fear for their children's unknown future weighs heavily on all parents in the film.
