Goodbye Christopher Robin offers a glimpse of the sombre truth behind the bear [Review]
The story behind Winnie the Pooh isn't as happy and carefree as you might think. Goodbye Christopher Robin offers a glimpse into the life of celebrated British writer A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and how he created the beloved Winnie the Pooh tales.
Author Milne has just returned from the first world war and is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He decides to move his family to the countryside, in hopes of finding the peace and quiet he needs to think and write.
Bored with country life, Milne’s wife Daphne returns to London, and Christopher Robin’s beloved nanny, Olive (Kelly Macdonald), goes to care for her sick mother, leaving Milne alone to look after his son.
From then on, the film focuses on the father-son relationship; as they bond on walks in the wood with Christopher Robin’s teddy bear, Winnie, Milne is inspired to write his next hit.
The family is swept up in the global success of the stories about a boy and his silly old bear, and suddenly everyone wants a piece of the real Christopher Robin.
For a film about the story behind the cheerful bear, it has an unexpectedly sombre vibe. But there are blissful moments drizzled like honey throughout, thanks to Christopher Robin’s sweet innocence and vivid imagination.
If you’re expecting a happy-go-lucky film about a little boy and his bear, you’ll be disappointed. The true story behind Winnie the Pooh is a lot sadder and more complicated, but it’s not lacking in heart.
Edited by Karly Cox