The film Wendy is a re-imagining of the Peter Pan story we all know and love. Though instead of pixies and flying boys, we get a more grungy, yet still-magical story from Wendy’s point of view. There is a Peter and you’ll still find Lost Boys, but the metaphorical nature of it all can be dizzying.
Newcomer Devin France plays Wendy, a young girl that helps her mother in a diner as the sound of cargo-laden trains fill her ears day-in and day-out, compressing metal tracks mere yards away. One night, as she lay next to her twin brothers, she hears a child’s laughter. A sound so pure, that she must investigate.
Discovering it to be a young boy riding atop a train car, she finds herself hopping on with her brothers in tow. With little fear, they ride along with this strange boy, following his commands which inevitably lead them into a strange land and a strange island.
Happiness overtakes them all as the magic of never growing up fills them with glee. Time slips away and age becomes relative when they don’t stop to gauge either. Peter (Yashua Mack) endeavors to keep attention on fun and young friendship, knowing too well that sadness is a killer that hunts small children on this island. Wendy must balance her childhood with the inkling of right and wrong her brain wants to perceive. Unknown and above them looms the future and present, passing each other like a pendulum, creating fear and doubt whenever in close vicinity.
This film is steeped in metaphor, with the re-imaging aspect being another more direct level, defining what the story of Peter Pan really is and what its devices and character are. Growing up and losing our childhood nature are the first level, but so much more comes from the choices of children and the regrets of those that have grown older.
I enjoyed this film, but didn’t love it. the serious nature of these children at time makes it art. But is it fully enjoyable to watch? I went from entranced to bored and back again numerous times. This film could have been a bit shorter, or perhaps it needed another aspect to the story. The Director told us that the film is not for children, which is very apparent, but the nature of the film making seemed to bow down to childish understanding at points. In the theater I feel people will give the film its due, but for any attempting to watch it at home in the future, I fear you might grow out of the story.
Review
Movie Review
RN review of Wendy
I enjoyed this film, but didn't love it. the serious nature of these children at time makes it art. But is it fully enjoyable to watch? I went from entranced to bored and back again numerous times. This film could have been a bit shorter, or perhaps it needed another aspect to the story. The Director told us that the film is not for children, which is very apparent, but the nature of the film making seemed to bow down to childish understanding at points. In the theater I feel people will give the film its due, but for any attempting to watch it at home in the future, I fear you might grow out of the story.