Wendy

Let’s start positive. Wendy is a beautiful film. There are not a lot of sets and almost all of it was shot practical in New Orleans, Mexico, and I believe…Antigua. This Neverland has a decidedly North American feel to it, and the volcano location is breathtaking. What the Zeitlin’s did was not only bring the story to North America but grounded the hell out of it. Everything feels real about this story and not like a fantastical journey.

Full Disclosure: I am a parent of a child about the same age as these kids. I’m watching scenes of children running away from home and hopping on a train, which is a parent’s worst nightmare. Then these children go on perilous adventures, perform dangerous acts, and when tragedy strikes, they’re simply told to “move on” and “everything will be OK…trust me.” It honestly didn’t sit well, especially when instilling this idea of accountability for one’s actions. I was triggered.

Before you get overly upset with my diatribe, YES. I get it. It’s Peter Pan!!! It’s meant to be fantasy. The kids in Hook and Disney’s animated feature did all the same things. Nothing different. And maybe this is a testament to the Zeitlins, but the reality of how they presented their story just scared the hell out of me. I don’t think Wendy is going to cause a national outbreak of child runaways, but damn. The difference is with previous adaptations, those stories are fantasy stories taking place in a fantasy world. The world of Wendy feels way too grounded. I suppose one could take this as a compliment.

“…this is a testament to the Zeitlins…their story just scared the hell out of me.”

If I’m going to give any real film criticism, it’s some of the children’s dialogue is hard to understand. I know important things were said, and I couldn’t hear it clearly.

Be that as it may, the vistas of Wendy are beautiful. Tommie Lynn Milazzo, as Wendy is terrific. She plays her age and character appropriately, along with the other actors. You can see that all the kids were having fun.

I’m not a fan of the film. There were many aspects from a filmmaking and storytelling process that I found admirable, but I just can’t see myself recommending it. I know all too well that my criticisms have everything to do with the very core of J.M. Barrie’s original story and Pan mythology itself. So, I’m going to be the old fuddy-duddy and just say it as I see it. I invite your comments because I know you think I’m wrong.

Wendy screened at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.