The Magic Faraway Tree

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The Magic Faraway Tree

1h 50m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Fantasy

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94%

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33 Reviews

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Adapted from Enid Blyton's beloved classic novel The Magic Faraway Tree, the film centers on Polly (Claire Foy), Tim (Andrew Garfield), and their three children -- a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface (Nonso Anozie), Silky (Nicola Coughlan), Dame Washalot (Jessica Gunning), and Saucepan Man (Dustin Demri-Burns). At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

Ben Gregor

Director

Andrew Garfield

Tim

Claire Foy

Polly

Nonso Anozie

Moonface

Nicola Coughlan

Silky

Jessica Gunning

Dame Washalot

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Mar 30

If you can get past some rather overegged child-actor performances, it’s an enjoyable enough option for Easter holiday family entertainment.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Mar 30

2/5

Farnaby’s screenplay is deplorable.

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Mark Kermode

Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube)

Mar 27

I found it surprisingly charming, and entertaining, and kind of uplifting,

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Emma Simmonds

The List

1d

4/5

Like all the best children’s films, there’s real emotion at its core, as it makes the case for kids to simply be kids: to get off the screens, fire their imaginations and open their hearts.

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Ian Sandwell

Digital Spy

2d

3/5

If The Magic Faraway Tree doesn't quite hit the same level of perfection as Paddington 2 (a near-impossible feat), then Simon Farnaby has still delivered a wholesome, funny and sweet fantasy comedy.

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Patrick Cremona

Radio Times

Apr 23

3/5

However, there's more than enough whimsical appeal to charm younger audiences, and a parade of famous faces from the British comedy scene provide an abundance of amusing moments.

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Alisha K

@Mini-nerd 2d

The movie was absolutely great, my mother and I loved every part of it. The costumes were on point, and the set designs were beautiful. The story line was intriguing, and Andrew was amazing. Really played Tim very well, and absolutely loved Moonface. Would recommend this to anyone wanting a good family film, and a loyal to the book adaptation. Would definitely watch a sequal if one was made.

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Mo W

@Mowgli1985 3d

Really enjoyed it. Seeing a beloved Childhood story come to life . Everyone involved has been amazing .

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Jerome D

@RT05999550 5d

A rare treat that all the family absolutely loved. It transported and entertained the kids, and moved the adults (much to their surprise). Terrific performances from the starry grown-up cast, matched by three great young actors. It looks beautiful, totally captures the wild and adventurous imagination of Blyton's books; we left feeling totally uplifted.

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Briony V

@Briedle 5d

The film adaptation of The Faraway Tree is a significant departure from its source material, to the point of being almost unrecognisable. Key elements that gave the original story its charm and distinctiveness have either been altered or omitted entirely. The characters lack the familiarity and depth readers would expect, and many of the most memorable and imaginative moments from the book are notably absent. As a result, the film feels less like an adaptation and more like a loosely inspired reinterpretation, which ultimately undermines its connection to the beloved original. For viewers unfamiliar with the books, the film may still offer some entertainment value. However, for those who hold the source material in high regard, it is likely to be a disappointing experience and may not be worth watching.

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Lara J

@LauraJ89 5d

Absolutely loved this sweet and magical movie and so did my kids. Brought back such amazing memories of reading this as a child. Brilliant family fun movie.

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Sam S

@Sam24 6d

The most perfect family film!! A must see

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Synopsis

Adapted from Enid Blyton's beloved classic novel The Magic Faraway Tree, the film centers on Polly (Claire Foy), Tim (Andrew Garfield), and their three children -- a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface (Nonso Anozie), Silky (Nicola Coughlan), Dame Washalot (Jessica Gunning), and Saucepan Man (Dustin Demri-Burns). At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

Director: Ben Gregor
Producer: Pippa Harris, Nicolas Brown, Danny Perkins, Jane Hooks
Screenwriter: Simon Farnaby
Distributor: Vertical
Production Co: Ashland Hill Media Finance, Elysian Film Group
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 21, 2026, Wide
Runtime: 1h 50m