The Secret Garden

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 7, 2020

Genre
Family, Fantasy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Dixie Egerickx as Mary Lennox
• Colin Firth as Lord Archibald Craven
• Julie Walters as Mrs. Medlock
• Edan Hayhurst as Colin Craven
• Amir Wilson as Dickon

Director
Marc Munden

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Mark of Cain (2007)
• Utopia (2013-2014) (TV series)
• The Third Day (2020) (TV miniseries)

Producer
David Heyman, Rosie Alison

Writer
Jack Thorne

Budget
$20 million (estimated)

Production Company
Heyday Films, StudioCanal, STXfilms

Running Time
99 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG

Content Advisory

• Mild peril
• Emotional themes

Movie Story
The Secret Garden is a magical and heartwarming adaptation of the classic 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story follows Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Lord Archibald Craven, in a mysterious and imposing mansion on the Yorkshire Moors after the sudden death of her parents in India. Mary, neglected and unhappy, finds herself alone in the vast and eerie Misselthwaite Manor, with only the stern housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock, and the occasional presence of her sickly cousin, Colin, for company.

As Mary explores the grounds of the estate, she discovers a hidden, overgrown garden that has been locked away for years. With the help of Dickon, a kind-hearted local boy who has a special way with animals, Mary begins to restore the garden to its former glory. As the garden comes to life, so too does Mary, and the process of nurturing the plants helps her grow emotionally and heal from her past traumas.

The garden also becomes a place of transformation for the other characters, particularly Colin, who is bedridden and believes himself to be terminally ill. Through the power of the garden and Mary’s determination, Colin begins to regain his strength and health, leading to a reconciliation with his distant father, Lord Craven.

The film beautifully captures the themes of rejuvenation, the healing power of nature, and the importance of friendship and family. The lush visuals of the garden, combined with a strong emotional narrative, make The Secret Garden a visually stunning and touching story that resonates with both children and adults.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Secret Garden are used to create a sense of wonder and magic, particularly in the scenes where the garden transforms from a lifeless, neglected space into a vibrant, flourishing oasis. The use of CGI is subtle and enhances the fantastical elements of the story, such as the blooming flowers and the mystical atmosphere that surrounds the garden.

Box Office Performance
The Secret Garden had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was also made available on digital platforms. While it did not achieve significant box office success, the film was well-received by audiences for its faithful adaptation of the beloved novel and its enchanting visuals.

Filming Locations

• Cornwall, England, UK
• Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, England, UK
• Helmsley Walled Garden, North Yorkshire, England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “The world is full of magic. You just have to believe in it.” – Mary Lennox
• “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Dickon

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Marc Munden and the production team sought to create a version of The Secret Garden that would appeal to modern audiences while staying true to the spirit of the original story. The decision to set the film in 1947, just after World War II, added a layer of historical context and depth to the narrative. The stunning gardens were filmed in various locations across England, with Helmsley Walled Garden serving as the primary inspiration for the secret garden itself.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Costume Design at the 2021 British Independent Film Awards

Final Verdict
The Secret Garden is a beautifully crafted film that captures the magic and wonder of the original story while offering a fresh perspective for contemporary audiences. Its visual splendor, combined with strong performances and a timeless message about the healing power of nature and love, make it a delightful and heartwarming watch for viewers of all ages.

IMDb Rating
5.6/10