Shadows on the Wall | The Magic Faraway Tree

The Magic Faraway Tree

dir Ben Gregor
scr Simon Farnaby
prd Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown, Danny Perkins, Jane Hooks
with Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Jennifer Saunders, Rebecca Ferguson, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, Phoenix Laroche, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Dustin Demri-Burns, Jessica Gunning, Simon Farnaby, Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, Simon Russell Beale, Judi Dench
release UK 27.Mar.26,
US 21.Aug.26
26/UK StudioCanal 1h50

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garfield, bennett-cardy, laroche, foy and gadsdon

Based on the beloved Enid Blyton novels, this lavishly produced British fantasy adventure is awash with golden-hued wonder, expansive blue skies and sparky characters. Thankfully, everyone on-screen also has a generous dose of dry wit thanks to Simon Farnaby's script, which includes wonderfully Pythonesque flourishes. Drenched in colour, the film's design work is fanciful and more than a little wacky. And the high-energy comical tone is consistently endearing.

After Polly (Foy) leaves her job, house-husband Tim (Garfield) remains optimistic, reminding her of their dream to live in the countryside. But their kids (Bennett-Cardy, Gadsdon and Laroche) are less than thrilled, especially with their wreck of a new home and no phone signal. Not to mention warnings about an enchanted forest. Invited by the fairy Silky (Coughlan), they discover a community of magical beings living in a giant tree, with access to even more outrageous realms. But the menacing Dame Snap (Ferguson) is on the prowl. And their imperious Grandma (Saunders) is even scarier.

Neighbours are as quirky and otherworldly as the fantastical creatures this family meets. And the lands the children visit are pure wish-fulfilment, from a literal candy world to a roller-disco birthday cake to Dame Snap's imposing prison tower. Naturally, there are lessons to learn along the way, as mistakes need to be set right and songs must be sung.

Garfield is relaxed and funny as the relentlessly upbeat Tim, whose dopiness exasperates his kids while Foy's pragmatic Polly tries to play along, solving complex problems with her inventions so they can set up a family business. Bennett-Cardy has a nicely surly edge as the teen Beth, while Gadsdon exudes feisty energy as Fran and Laroche makes youngster Joe enjoyably goofy. The wide range of magical beings are played more broadly, of course, but they're a lot of fun. Even Ferguson's Snap is amusingly villainous, flummoxed by farts.

Framed as the story of someone who never forgot their childhood, this is a reminder to hold onto your your dreams. Of course, at the centre is the lovely message that spending time with family can be a lot more fun and fulfilling than any online community. And the resolutely positive ending is tinged with a lovely sense of nostalgia that's beautifully played by Garfield. It leaves us with a smile on our face, a tear in the eye and hope that further adventures are in the works.

some themes, suspense 13.Aug.26

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