Finding Neverland is loosely based on events that took place in J.M. Barrie's life commencing in the year of 1903 after his latest play turned out to be an expensive fiasco.  In disappointment Barrie begins to search within himself and his own imagination where he could discover new and better material for a play.  Frequent walks in the London parks lead him to bump into widow Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four children -- Peter, Jack, George, and Michael.  The children trigger his imagination as he begins to play pretend with the children which brings him dancing bears, cowboys, Indians, pirates, and crocodiles.  He brings his fantasy land to the children, a land he calls Neverland, to which he escapes in order to get away from the daily hassles and the responsibilities of being an adult.

One of the children, Peter (Freddie Highmore), shows no interest in imagination or pretending, as he frequently spoils moments by pointing out reality.  Barrie brings it on his own shoulders to help Peter discover the possibilities of imagination, but it turns out to be a tougher task than what he first thought.  Nonetheless, Barrie remains persistent in helping Peter see the possibilities of pretending as they play in the backyard of their house.  It seems as if Peter is holding on to what is real, as he still suffers from the loss of his father.

Barrie's close relationship with Mrs. Davies brings people to suspect that he has ulterior motives.  It also begins to affect his relationship with his wife who suspects that he sees the Davies in order to meet with Sylvia.  Others have darker and much more ominous imaginations, as they seem to believe that he has developed a fondness for the children beyond care giving.   Despite the allegations Barrie continues to do what he thinks is right, but it seems to bring further heartache and pain to the family as people talk behind their back.

Caught between Neverland and the reality of adulthood Barrie has to learn how to balance both sides while it might hurt people involved in his life.  His wife complains that she never see him since he is always working by staring at a wall dreaming himself away in order to write, or that he spends too much time with the Davies.  The Davies have their own problems into which Barrie has arrived by generating a positive fantasy world where pain does not exist; however, reality is much grimmer.  Barrie is caught between a fantasy world where he always has answers and reality where he seldom has answers, as the possibilities are not as frequent as in Neverland.

Finding Neverland is a poignant story of the power of imagination that is wonderfully directed by Marc Forster who also directed Monster's Ball (2001).  Performances by the cast are dazzling with brilliant actors such as Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, and Dustin Hoffman among others.  Depp's performance as J.M. Barrie is outstanding, which displays a very complex character.  The mise-en-scene and cinematography elevate the visuals, which are enhanced by a great script that leaves the audience with a truly touching and thoughtful cinematic experience.

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COUNTRY

UK / USA

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