The film occasionally veers into overly sentimental territory, yet remains a pleasant exploration of the origins of J.M. Barrie’s beloved "Peter Pan." The story begins on shaky ground, with his newest theatrical production receiving lackluster notices. He faces considerable strain – needing to produce a hit or risk jeopardizing his partnership with Frohman (Dustin Hoffman, appearing briefly). Fortunately, an encounter with children in the park, along with their mother “Sylvia” (Kate Winslet), sparks a connection that offers him valuable insight. Their dog "Nana" is part of this group as well. However, there are complications. The boy “Peter” (Freddie Highmore) remains fixated on his deceased father, and his mother (Julie Christie) harbors doubts about Barrie’s intentions and dedication. This uncertainty becomes more significant as he develops a close relationship with the family. Barrie devises an inventive approach intended to assist "Peter" and his mother in overcoming their loss, before it's revealed that the children are facing another hardship unexpectedly. The drama possesses a sincere simplicity, largely thanks to Highmore and his siblings’ captivating portrayals of childhood, as they navigate grief and growth. A secondary storyline concerning his difficult marriage with “Mary” (Radha Mitchell) feels somewhat superfluous; Depp mostly provides a gentle direction to the narrative while observing how imagination and kindness uplift these young people, much like it did for countless others in "Neverland." It's fundamentally about recovery, but also encompasses adventure, exhilaration, and the joy of youth—a sense of being boundless and eternal.

Source on TMDB