Five Children and It

In a quiet, unsuspecting gravel pit, five children make an extraordinary discovery that will change their lives forever. This discovery isn’t an object or treasure, but a creature—an ancient, irritable, and somewhat ugly sand fairy known as the Psammead. Unlike any magical being the children had ever encountered, the Psammead grants them a unique and exciting opportunity: one wish each day, a reward for finding it, with the catch that the results of these wishes only last until sunset.

The Psammead, though not particularly charming, possesses great power. It is a creature with the ability to grant wishes, but it is also temperamental and easily annoyed, giving the children a sense of both wonder and caution. Its somewhat snappy demeanor contrasts with the magic it holds, and though it has the power to alter the course of the children’s day with each wish, the Psammead makes it clear that it is not a being to be taken lightly.

The children—each with their own desires, dreams, and curiosities—begin to realize the true weight of their newfound power. The wishes, however, are not without consequences. At first, the wishes seem like harmless fun, but as the children explore the possibilities, they soon learn that some wishes come with unexpected challenges or create problems that must be solved before the day’s end. What seems like a gift often turns into a puzzle, testing the children’s creativity and their ability to handle the unpredictable outcomes of their wishes.

As the days pass and the children continue to make their wishes, they begin to understand that the Psammead’s magic is not simply about obtaining what one desires. It’s about learning lessons, growing, and appreciating the fleeting nature of time. Each wish is a temporary thrill, lasting only until the sunset, and the children come to see that the true value lies not in the magic itself, but in the way it changes their perspectives and deepens their bond with each other.

The Psammead, despite its grumpy nature, becomes a central figure in their adventure, guiding them through their imaginative and sometimes chaotic wish-making journey. As they navigate the consequences of their actions, the children learn more about themselves and the importance of making thoughtful choices. The sand fairy, though reluctant to offer its assistance, plays a crucial role in teaching them the timeless lesson that sometimes, the greatest magic lies not in granting wishes, but in understanding the power of each moment.

Director: John Stephenson

Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Cast: Alec Muggleton, Alex Jennings, Alexander Pownall, Duncan Preston, Eddie Izzard, Freddie Highmore, Georgio Serafini, Jessica Claridge, John Sessions, Jonathan Bailey, Kenneth Branagh, Kim Fenton