The Magic Faraway Tree (2026)

CinemaSerf April 1, 2026

★ 7/10

We used to have loads of this author’s books at home when we were kids, and I always thought her signature on the cover said Gnid, rather than Enid. Now fifty years or so later, her stories don’t always stand the test of time or attitudes, but this one is an entertaining fantasy that has been updated to take aim, fairly and squarely, at modern day obsessions with technology. The “Thompson” family have fallen on hard times and so have relocated to live in a ramshackle barn where dad “Tim” (an enthusiastic Andrew Garfield) hopes to grow tomatoes. Mum “Polly” (Claire Foy) is from much wealthier stock, but is certainly up for their new rustic challenge - even if the kitchen comes complete with it’s own chicken. Their three children, however - well that’s another matter as there is no electricity, no wifi and therefore no life as they know it. The one exception might be th…