Marc Forster’s window on the life of J.M. Barrie is a gorgeous creation. The director of Monster’s Ball clearly spellbound with the accomplishments of the 19^th century playwright, recreates events which led to the writer’s major literary achievement. Finding Neverland is inspired by true events, notably Barrie’s relationship with widowed Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet) and her four sons who became the muse for his celebrated work, Peter Pan. Creatively isolated from his wife Mary (Radha Mitchell), Barrie (Johnny Depp) discovers a world of wonder with the Llewelyn Davies’ children and in particular the emotionally tormented Peter (a heartbreaking performance from Freddie Highmore). He is instantly attracted to the fragile family and an inseparable bond is formed: the boys even call him Uncle Jim, much to the torment of Sylvia’s foreboding mother. Their relationship is a catalyst for Barrie, his wife and the Llewelyn Davies under the frowning perception of London society.

Finding Neverland is at its most bewitching when it breaks into flights of fancy as the elements of Barrie’s play take shape, art connecting with real life. Barrie’s producer (Dustin Hoffman) and the Llewelyn Davies’ sternly protective matriarch (Julie Christie) head impeccable support against which Depp turns in another Oscar worthy performance. Much like Peter Pan, Finding Neverland is an enchanting mix of whimsy and tragedy that soars to a sad yet strangely hopeful climax. It urges you to unlock your imagination and you’ll be glad you did. This is an enthralling work of magic, a sure-fire classic that begs Academy attention, a hit that restores faith in innocence when we need it most.

// COLIN FRASER