Review: Goodbye Christopher Robin - Fascinating drama elevated by remarkable performances by the two leads!

Directed by Simon Curtis, Goodbye Christopher Robin deals with the relationship between beloved children's author A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose stuffed toys gave rise to the magical world of Winnie the Pooh.
A film that operates successfully, in the most part, on many levels, flicking from light to dark in an instant, this wartime heartfelt biopic looks stunning,thanks to Ben Smithards wonderful cinematography which creates a world of wonder readers of Winnie the Pooh's adventures will be only too accustomed too.
Frank Cottrell Boyce and Simon Vaughan's screenplay is paramount also in the film not becoming overly sentimental and adds to the features overall charm and credibility.
Domhnall Gleeson too gives us a timely reminder of his value within Hollywood as a leading man as he again delivers emphatically in his role as troubled author A.A Milne. Will Tilston gives a remarkable debut performance as the young "Billy Moon" and it is in fact the warmth and on screen chemistry between Gleeson and Tilston that is central to all that is good in this film.
Kelly McDonald proves again to be remarkably consistent in her role as young Christophers surrogate carer, nanny Olive.
There are a few small complaints to be had however, which prevent this fascinating drama from becoming a truly great film. Margot Robbie inevitably falls short in her role as Milne's wife Daphne and some of the supporting cast including a grown Christopher Robin played by Alex Lawther don;t share the gravitas and poise displayed by Glesson and Tilston.
On the whole though, this highly infomrative, ambitious and cautionary true life tale is one that will evoke a variety of emotions, is pleasing on the eye and tells the audience of the incredible back story to the worlds most famous fictional characters in children's literature. Overall a highly insightful and fascinating drama!
✷✷✷1/2