A modern family relocates to the countryside where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents. They are transported to fantastical lands, rekindling their family bond through adventures. A film by Ben Gregor, starring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nonso Anoziem, Nicola Coughlan, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, Phoenix Laroche, Dustin Demri-Burns, Jessica Gunning, Hiran Abeysekera, Mark Heap, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Oliver Chris, Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, Simon Russell Beale, Jennifer Saunders, and Rebecca Ferguson.
The MAGIC FARAWAY TREE
Ben Gregor
(2026)
Directed by British filmmaker Ben Gregor from a screenplay by Simon Farnaby, The MAGIC FARAWAY TREE is a fantasy adventure based on Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s series. It centers on three young siblings who relocate with their parents to a newly purchased barn house in the country. The children soon discover a magical world hidden in the nearby enchanted forest.
The Magic Faraway Tree is a classic children’s fantasy series by Enid Blyton about a group of children who discover a magical tree at the heart of the Enchanted Wood, where the top branches lead to different changing lands and adventures. Each time they climb the tree, they reach a new whimsical world, such as the Land of Treats or the Land of Do As You Please, guided by charming characters like Moonface, Silky and the Saucepan Man. The original trilogy consists of The Enchanted Wood (1939), The Magic Faraway Tree (1943) and The Folk of the Faraway Tree (1946). The books have remained popular for decades because they blend everyday childhood curiosity with wild imagination and a sense of constant surprise.
It’s certainly entertaining to watch three siblings explore fantastical lands floating above a giant, magical tree filled with whimsical characters. However, the film lacks the spark needed to make it memorable, often feeling like a colorful blend of Willy Wonka and Alice in Wonderland.
The whole cast gives great performances, especially Delilah Bennett-Cardy as the skeptical older sister Beth, and Andrew Garfield as the dad Tim.
Unfortunately, Claire Foy as the mom Polly, feels sidelined in a minor role, and her dialogue just doesn’t make sense for a character who is meant to be a genius-level scientist.
Believe in magic.
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A film by Ben Gregor, starring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nonso Anoziem, Nicola Coughlan, Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, Phoenix Laroche, Dustin Demri-Burns, Jessica Gunning, Hiran Abeysekera, Mark Heap, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Oliver Chris, Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, Simon Russell Beale, Jennifer Saunders, and Rebecca Ferguson.
Casting Rebecca Ferguson as the main villain, Madame Snap (changed from the novel’s ‘Madame Slap’, a far funnier and more intimidating name lost to modern sensitivities), only to limit her to a brief appearance at the very end is a complete waste of her talent. I really hope she returns in the sequel because we desperately need her story arc.
I can only assume the studio crammed multiple books into one movie to ensure it works as a standalone in case it fails to launch a franchise. Because of this, everything feels rushed from the very beginning, leaving no time to properly introduce the characters.
Even the magical lands are treated like mechanical devices needed to push the plot forward. While the Land of Goodies and the Land of Spells are visually stunning, the Land of Birthdays is incredibly underwhelming (it is literally just a giant cake).
Also, the visit to Know-All for a shortcut gives off distinct Labyrinth vibes, though it falls far short of Jim Henson’s magic.
The MAGIC FARAWAY TREE was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2026. The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on 21 August.
