Review of Finding Neverland (2004) by Dawdlingpoet — 23 Nov 2021

I enjoyed this film for the most part - the story it tells, one of 'the story behind the story' so to speak, was interesting and made me wonder about the life of J M Barrie but it is sad at times - sad and sobering.

The main aspect of this film that I found off putting was Johnny Depp's less than amazing Scottish accent. I hadn't realised the author was Scottish, until it dawned on me that Depp was seemingly attempting a sort of cringey mix of English and Scottish in his accent in this film. It didn't seem entirely believable to me and I'm Scottish!. It would seem unfair to say it ruins the film because his accent isn't great but its still something that came to mind when I was thinking what to say about the film, hence me mentioning it.

However, regarding the cast, Kate Winslet does well in her role as Barries wife, Sylvia. Of course she's English, so she doesn't have to try and put on an accent in the same way as Depp had to.

It depicts an interesting story - a thoughtful and interesting one. My favourite aspect of it was how the parents interacted and tried to relate things to the kids. It isn't a greatly memorable film but its certainly not awful either. Some of the scenes are surprisingly touching, between the children and the parents. I feel it perhaps could have been better in one or two regards but as it is, its certainly worth a watch if your interested in the story.