Moonrise Kingdom (2012) is a quirky, heartfelt coming-of-age tale brought to life by director Wes Anderson’s signature style. Set on a fictional New England island in the 1960s, the film follows two young misfits — Sam and Suzy — who flee their chaotic lives in search of freedom, romance, and self-discovery. Along the way, they spark a madcap search party, complete with eccentric adults and bumbling scouts.
How well do you remember this offbeat, pastel-colored adventure? Test your memory with our 10-question trivia challenge and see if you’re a true Moonrise Kingdom explorer — or just lost in the woods.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) Trivia Questions & Answers
1) Who directed Moonrise Kingdom (2012)?
Correct Answer: Wes Anderson
Wes Anderson’s signature style — symmetrical framing, pastel palettes, and quirky, emotionally layered storytelling — defines Moonrise Kingdom. This film exemplifies his ability to blend whimsy with deep human emotion in a visually distinct world.
2) What is the name of the Khaki Scout who runs away?
Correct Answer: Sam Shakusky
Sam Shakusky is an orphan and Khaki Scout who rejects the regimentation of camp life in favor of forging his own path. His quiet rebellion serves as the emotional anchor of the story and sets off the film’s central adventure.
3) Who does Sam run away with?
Correct Answer: Suzy Bishop
Suzy Bishop is a misunderstood girl who connects with Sam through a pen-pal relationship. Their joint escape is an earnest expression of youthful defiance and a search for love, meaning, and a place to belong.
4) What organization is Sam a part of?
Correct Answer: Khaki Scouts
Sam is a member of the Khaki Scouts, a fictional scouting organization. Their militaristic discipline and groupthink stand in stark contrast to Sam’s individuality and need for emotional freedom.
5) What is Suzy obsessed with that she carries during her escape?
Correct Answer: Library books
Suzy brings along a suitcase full of borrowed fantasy novels, which she reads to Sam during their journey. These books symbolize her rich inner world and provide a comforting escape from her feelings of alienation at home.
6) Which actor plays the Scout Master, Ward?
Correct Answer: Edward Norton
Edward Norton plays Scout Master Ward with both comic earnestness and genuine concern. His performance adds a layer of sincerity to the absurdity of the situation, embodying adult responsibility through a childlike lens.
7) What natural disaster occurs near the end of the film?
Correct Answer: A massive storm/flood
A dramatic storm and flood sweep over New Penzance, acting as both literal and metaphorical climax. It threatens the characters’ lives and forces emotional reckonings, in true Wes Anderson fashion — where chaos and catharsis go hand in hand.
8) What does Suzy use to defend herself when confronted by the scouts?
Correct Answer: Scissors
In a rare act of violence, Suzy uses a pair of scissors to stab a scout who tries to take her back by force. This moment underscores her fierce commitment to protecting her autonomy and her bond with Sam.
9) Which actor plays Captain Sharp, the island police officer?
Correct Answer: Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis plays Captain Sharp with restrained emotion and quiet depth. As he grows closer to Sam, he becomes a figure of compassion and surrogate family — a subtle but powerful turn from the action star.
10) What fictional location is the film set on?
Correct Answer: New Penzance Island
The story unfolds on the fictional New Penzance Island — a meticulously crafted world that blends 1960s Americana with fairy-tale surrealism. The island’s isolation allows for Anderson’s signature mix of innocence, rebellion, and visual poetry.
