#REVIEW: “COME AWAY”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Brenda Chapman is no stranger to the whimsical world of imagination, and with her in the Director’s chair for her third Feature, Come Away. We get to see the characters from beloved stories told in a new way and how they became the titular characters we know and cherish today. This is Marissa Kate Goodhill‘s first time writing a Feature and it is a strong effort.  Goodhill‘s Script and Chapman’s direction, plus some engaging performances from this Cast amount in a delightful, nostalgic experience for its audience, while introducing a younger audience to some wonderful classics.

Come Away focuses on the Littleton family. Rose (Angelina Jolie), Jack (David Oyelowo) and their children Alice (Keira Chansa) and Peter (Jordan A. Nash) in their countryside life. Unfortunately tragedy strikes, which leads Jack to make some bad decisions which place the entire family at risk, forcing Alice and Peter to use their already creative imaginations to protect themselves and their family.

What truly makes Come Away remarkable is its storytelling.  It takes timeless stories and characters, introducing them to younger audiences whom might not be aware. Its older audience will pick up on these nods, heavy-handed clues, and collectively it transports its audience young and older, a glimpse into a world of imagination the Movie begs us to explore. Marissa leaves a lot to the imagination and in this case it works as we have not seen for these characters told this way before and with this level of depth.

Come Away‘s powerhouse Cast put it all out there. Chansa brings charisma, conviction and a certain spunk that brings to life her character of Alice, her debut role in a Feature. Nash brings an element of wonder and raw emotion to his characterization of Peter. Jolie and Oyelowo both are perfect in their respective roles, trying to protect their family, spiraling out of control, and doing what they must in order to survive. You’ll be begging to see more of them when it all ends.

VVS Films release COME AWAY on Digital Friday November 13, 2020.