Đi Thật Xa - Come Away (2020)

Brenda Chapman’s “Come Away” stands as a visually compelling, albeit tonally ambitious, reinterpretation of beloved literary characters. Eschewing a mere origins story, the film delves into the profound psychological landscapes of grief and escapism, positing imagination as a vital coping mechanism for childhood trauma. It’s less about how Peter Pan and Alice came to be, and more about the shared crucible of sorrow that forged their iconic destinies.

The cinematic craftsmanship, particularly the production design and art direction, is a highlight, seamlessly blending Victorian realism with a melancholic gothic fantasy aesthetic. The visual storytelling employs a dreamlike quality, masterfully bridging the harsh realities of loss with the vivid inner worlds of the children. However, the narrative pacing occasionally meanders, and its thematic ambition sometimes overwhelms the coherence.

Angelina Jolie and David Oyelowo deliver nuanced performances, anchoring the film with palpable parental anguish. The child actors, notably Keira Chansa, convincingly portray the evolving innocence and coping mechanisms. “Come Away” carves a unique niche within the fantasy drama genre, positioning itself as a poignant psychological drama that explores the healing power of narrative imagination, challenging conventional interpretations within the broader cinematic universe of classic fairy tales.