Come Away

Come Away is a magical origin story romance directed by Brenda Chapman and features a star-studded cast, inclusive of Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Carter Thomas, and Ava Fillery. Bursting out in 2020, the film depicts an enchanting tale blending familiar classic stories of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland into a uniquely imaginative narrative. The film represents a daring spin on traditional tales and passionately explores the boundless imagination, whimsy, and magic intrinsic to childhood. The talented cast, coupled alongside incredible execution of the story, promise an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Come Away unravels the story of the Littleton family living an idyllic life in the British countryside. The enchanting tale revolves around the family's three children – Alice, Peter, and their elder brother David. Gugu Mbatha-Raw features as their doting mother alongside David Oyelowo as their fun-loving father, delivering powerful performances as nurturing parents who nurture their children’s boundless creativity and imagination, encouraging continuous storytelling and play acting around the house. This nurturing environment leads to an imaginative realm of adventure that forms the bedrock of the movie's theme.

David, being the heir to the Littleton dynasty, is mentored by his father to take on the responsibilities that come with it. Alice, on the other hand, is a dimpled darling whose imagination runs wild with whimsical tales of a White Rabbit and a Mad Hatter, elements that the Alice in Wonderland fans will undoubtedly appreciate. The young Peter, portrayed by Jordan Nash, is a lively and adventurous boy who equally loves swimming with the mermaids as he enjoys sparring with imaginary pirates. Newcomers Keira Chansa and Jordan A. Nash effortlessly portray Alice and Peter, respectively, and bring their formidable energy to the delightful roles.

Everything in their life appears to be almost too perfect until a family tragedy changes the blissful rhythm of their life. Faced with despair, the children lose themselves in a world of imagination to escape the harsh realities that have suddenly dawned upon them. Their escapism soon becomes a survival tool – a world which they create full of thrilling, fun-filled fantasies that shield their innocent minds from the cruelties of the world. How this imaginative proficiency shapes their future is the thrilling tale that Come Away beholds.

The production values of the film are incredibly high. The sets are beautifully crafted, allowing the viewer to immerse themselves into the extraordinary world of the Littletons. The location beautifully emulates the classic British pastoral life, blending it with mystical elements to create an astonishment that keeps the audiences hooked. The transition between reality and fantasy is seamless so that the audience easily drifts between the children’s reality and their fantastic adventures.

David Oyelowo and Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s performance binds the narrative wonderfully. Their love for their children, the fear of loss, and the struggle to keep their family safe resonate through their characters. Newcomer Carter Thomas, who plays the family's eldest son David, also delivers a stirring performance. His scenes are both amusing and poignant, showcasing an impressive emotional range for a young actor. On the other hand, Ava Fillery, also a newcomer, has relatively less screen time but still manages to profoundly impact the story.

At its core, Come Away is an exploration of the power of imagination and creativity, a celebration of storytelling, an ode to the pureness of childhood, and a heartfelt look at the complexities of growing up amidst upheaval and change. The way the movie presents journeymen characters that we are all acquainted with, viewing them through a new imaginative lens, is undoubtedly its most significant achievement. Moreover, it beautifully addresses grievous themes of loss and resilience through a narrative remarkably digestible for children while serving as an emotionally resonant tale for adults.

In conclusion, Come Away is an exceptional film packed with heart and imagination. It beautifully merges two classic fairy tales into an emotional narrative that is not easily forgotten and expertly unravels the inherent magic and creativity of childhood. It is a movie that resonates with the young ones' spirits and strikes a chord with the grown-ups' hearts. An elegantly crafted tale of familial love, tragedy, and the marvels of imagination, this film surely deserves a place on your must-watch list.