Do you believe in magic? 'The Magic Faraway Tree' gets a Gen Alpha glow-up.

"A child's brain is the most wonderful thing on earth. Don't hide it away."

⭐️ 3.5 out of 5

The new film adaptation of The Magic Faraway Tree celebrates children’s imagination, updating Enid Blyton’s 1940 classic for tech-savvy Gen Alpha.

When their mother leaves her tech job to pursue a dream of selling Italian tomato sauce with her stay-at-home husband, the three children must put down their devices and connect with nature.

In the forbidden enchanted woods, the siblings climb a ladder to other worlds and meet magical folk who grant wishes, give treats, and offer wisdom.

Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Jennifer Saunders, and Rebecca Ferguson headline the cast, with Ben Gregor directing.

Garfield plays a lovable, funny stay-at-home dad, showing off his acting chops in several emotional scenes.

Coughlan shines as a fairy who delivers the key message: don’t change yourself or your appearance for anyone.

Foy portrays a strong mother, while Saunders delivers memorable lines as the overdramatic, unsupportive mother urging her daughter to ‘get a real job’.

While the 1940 novel remains timeless, this adaptation includes current references that will age the film, like the son’s favourite game being ‘MineBlock’ (a Minecraft nod) and a school bus-plane hybrid resembling one from Fortnite, which he acknowledges.

It’s a special film and is absolutely worth watching. Today’s children will remember it with nostalgia, and parents will enjoy it too.

A key decision made late in the film may test the audience’s patience and feel a little too convenient, but the ending still delivers an emotional reward.

Beth, the eldest daughter, lacks strong character development, with her payoff feeling rushed and unrewarding.

Despite a shaky third act, the film sells the original book well; I wanted more of this world.