Lost on a mysterious island where aging and time have come unglued, Wendy must fight to save her family, her freedom, and the joyous spirit of youth from the deadly peril of growing up.
Pam says:
From the writer and director of the critically acclaimed “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Benh Zeiltlin gives us his 7-year passion project “Wendy.” Based on the concept of Peter Pan, Zeiltlin reimagines this character as Wendy (Devin France) and her brothers follow Peter to Neverland. The adventure is surreal as it gorgeously captures the carefree wonder of childhood. The peril of disbelief is catastrophic which creates the dramatic element in the film. The child non-actors dominate the screen casting a spell over the film with it’s authentic and imaginative feel. Yashua Mack gives us an incredible performance as the mischievously energetic sprite who leads the pack and France grounds the story with her depiction of Wendy.
Paying homage to the role and responsibility of motherhood, this re-imagination of the classic tale stays with you long after the credits roll. There are, however, disappointments in the film with its story arc, but this can be forgiven as the film magically brings the viewer, no matter your age, back to a time that for most of us is lost forever– a time of play and pure imagination with no boundaries. Like “Beasts,” “Wendy” captures the beauty of youth with its visually mesmerizing style.
(An interview with Zietlin can be found HERE)
