When the Thompson family relocates to the English countryside, siblings Joe (Phoenix Laroche), Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), and Fran (Billie Gadsdon) struggle to adapt to their new tech-free life. Their boredom vanishes when they stumble upon a towering, ancient tree that holds a wondrous secret. At the top, they find gateways to ever-changing magical lands, ranging from the Land of Spells to the Land of Topsy-Turvy. Guided by eccentric residents like the lovable Moonface (Nonso Anozie) and the delicate fairy Silky (Nicola Coughlan), the children embark on adventures that help their parents – Tim (Andrew Garfield) and Polly (Claire Foy) – rediscover the joy of family togetherness.

Directed by Ben Gregor, this enchanting adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved literary series brings a modern sensibility to a classic tale. The film features a stellar supporting cast, including Jennifer Saunders as Grandma Thompson and Rebecca Ferguson as the formidable Dame Snap. Hailed as a triumph of family filmmaking, The Magic Faraway Tree successfully captures the whimsical spirit and English charm that has captivated readers for generations.

In Cairo, investigative reporter Charlie Cannon (Jack Reynor) and his family find their lives thrown into a terrifying tailspin when his daughter, Katie (Natalie Grace), is lured away and kidnapped by a mysterious woman. When she is miraculously found eight years later and returned home unharmed, Charlie and his now-pregnant wife Larissa (Laia Costa) initially feel only relief. However, their joy soon curdles when they begin noticing Katie’s unsettling behaviour and physical changes. They soon realise that while their daughter has come back, she has brought an ancient, malevolent force with her – one that threatens to consume them all from within their own home.

This chilling reimagining of the classic movie monster franchise swaps action, adventure and tomb-raiding for the visceral, grounded horror experience of a family under siege. With its terrifying new vision of the undead, one could argue that director Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) could have made his mark without putting his name in the title. But just in case it wasn't clear: those hoping to see Brendan Fraser will have to wait until 2027 for the other other Mummy sequel.