Come Away

STORY: When a tragedy strikes the Littleton family, young Peter and Alice take it upon themselves to rid their parents from the unsurmountable grief. But what path will they choose when their vivid imagination collides with the harsh realities of life?

REVIEW: Poor but happy, the Littletons are a close-knit family, living far from the hustle-bustle of the city in an English countryside. Jack (David Oyelowo) is a craftsman, who creates elaborate ship miniatures while Rose (Angelina Jolie) is a doting wife and a mother to three charming and effervescent young kids. Their imagination runs wild in the woods where David (Reece Yates), Peter (Jordan Nash) and Alice (Keira Chansa) pretend to play with swords, crossbows and rescue a ship from the pirates. But soon an accident pushes the family into despair and their troubles begin to mount. Jack’s gambling problem resurfaces and so do his debtors while Rose takes to drinking. Peter and Alice decide to do what they can while trying to make sense of the situation and the constant flashes of imagination that seem to pull them away into a land of wonders. However, the situation only worsens, even with their well-intentioned heroic acts.

While there is no dearth of imagination and metaphors, director Brenda Chapman and writer Marissa Kate Goodhill choose to tell their story in a more subdued way, almost to the point of being dull. Despite being a homage to iconic and legendary fantasies like Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland, the film spells absolutely no magic and remains decidedly grim, throughout. There is not a moment of light fun or entertainment neither is there any profound depiction of grief to hold on to. By the virtue of their imagination, Peter and Alice are often transported to their respective worlds, but that doesn’t give the viewer a break from the film’s gloomy execution. That said, those are the only parts that are somewhat intriguing, especially for the kids.

Angelina Jolie is at her usual best playing a grieving mother with restraint and poise, but it is David Oyelowo’s fatherly emotions that will touch your heart. He is brilliant as the man torn between his shady past and glum present, but perhaps a bright future, thanks to his adorable children. English actress Anna Chancellor as the uptight and elegant Eleanor is another character to look forward to. Chancellor’s astute act as a childless affluent woman is refreshing and we wish she had more screen time. The little Ava Fillery and Jordan Nash as Alice and Peter, respectively, make the most of their complex characters. They live Peter and Alice’s fears and fantasies with an innocent charm that somewhat lifts the narrative into the happy space.

Another aspect that deserves a mention is the period setting and the pitch-perfect costume design. This lends authenticity and an old-world charm that shines through.Ultimately, all of this is in service of a slow-burning allegory that takes its viewers on a melancholic journey that may not find a mass appeal.