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Film Review: Finding Neverland
Alexander Wong
Dermanities April 14, 2005; 3(1)
Finding Neverland - ©2004 Miramax Film Corp
Not often do movies inspire the soul and touch the heart. Finding Neverland is one such rare example. Featuring the versatile Johnny Depp as James M. Barrie, the Scottish playwright famous for penning Peter Pan in the early 1900s, the film also highlights a quartet of talented young child actors and a radiant Kate Winslet as their doomed mother in a resounding triumph for director Marc Forster ( Monster's Ball ).
As the movie begins, we find ourselves in the midst of Edwardian London, at the opening evening of Barrie 's latest play, which turns out to be a colossal flop. Barrie 's American producer (Dustin Hoffman) is not pleased at the prospect of financial collapse. Another play is needed, quickly. But where will Barrie find his inspiration? He finds himself in a sterile marriage which lacks passion and intimacy, trapped in a society that values primness and routine to creativeness and spontaneity.
Barrie 's search for inspiration leads him to a local park, where he soon befriends a widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Winslet) and her four young boys. Charmed by the innocence and simple magic of the boys, and taken by the strength he sees in Sylvia as a loving mother struggling to keep her family afloat, Barrie soon becomes “Uncle Jim” to the Llewelyn Davies family. He spends increasing amounts of his free time with them, indulging them (and himself) in his vivid make-believe worlds. Sylvia, refreshed by the burst of energy that Barrie provides her family, rejoices silently that her boys have found a pseudo-father. Each day brings new inspiration for Barrie , as he continues to pen his latest work. He is particularly moved by the second-youngest in the family, Peter (played by a remarkably mature Freddie Highmore), who shares a passion for writing and a penetrating insight far beyond his years.
Unfortunately, all is not well. Barrie 's wife (Radha Mitchell) questions his motives as he begins to arrive home later and later each day. Sylvia's overbearing mother (Julie Christie) criticizes Barrie for being nothing more than an adult who needs to grow up, and tries to keep him from her family when she begins to feel her daughter falling for him. Barrie is, after all, still a married man… in title, if not in spirit. Then, there is Sylvia's worrisome cough, which has an ominous feel despite her protestations to the contrary. A tragic ending beckons, although many viewers will continue to hope for reprieve as the relationship between James and Sylvia grows stronger.
Sylvia's illness flares on the opening night of Peter Pan , and she finds herself unable to summon the strength to attend. In her family's place, she sends Peter to the theatre alone. Peter meets Barrie at the entrance to the theatre, and as the play begins and builds to its climax, so does the movie. Don't be ashamed when you pull out the tissue box. Even hardened movie-goers will have a difficult time keeping their eyes dry as the drama peaks again and again in the concluding moments, resulting in many memorable scenes that tug at the heartstrings.
While the film is “inspired by a true story”, some historical details were changed for dramatic purpose. Also, despite the story's implied subject (the inspiration behind Peter Pan ), the film involves complexities that younger children will likely have difficulty understanding. Critics mention the lack of ingenuity and imagination in the movie, as the plot is admittedly predictable. But why should a movie leave anything to the imagination when it can be done so well in reality? Marc Forster has crafted a convincing and delightful world, spearheaded by masterful performances from his entire cast. The chemistry between Depp and Winslet is remarkable, but what is most captivating is the relationship shared between Depp and Highmore, who sparkle on the screen together. Oscar nominations will likely recognize the work of Depp and Forster and help to bring the film to a wider audience. Superb cinematography and an inspired original score round out a most satisfying experience.
Finding Neverland is a rare movie that can touch the spirits of both young and old alike. Its warmth and magic are destined to entertain generations to come as it finds its place amongst the classics of our time. Go see it, and perhaps you too will find Neverland for yourself.