Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy find family magic in 'Magic Faraway Tree'

by · UPI

LOS ANGELES Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy play parents who move their kids to the country in The Magic Faraway Tree, in theaters Friday. They said the culture clash reflects many issues facing modern families.

In a recent Zoom interview with UPI, Garfield, 43, said screen time and the cost of living, which makes the move necessary, are relevant issues. With limited internet access, the kids complain their devices don't work.

"I think what's lovely about this film is it feels very reflective of families now," Garfield said. "It feels like everyone is grappling with the issues that this family is grappling with in this film."

Forced to entertain themselves, the kids explore the nearby forest. There, they discover a tree filled with magical creatures (Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie and the voice of Judi Dench).

Some viewers may interpret the tree as a metaphor for the magic people could discover if they pay attention to the real world. Garfield took it literally.

"I don't know, man," he said. "I feel like there might be more magic in the tree than you think."

Foy, 42, plays Tim's wife, Polly. She joked that she was jealous of the kids visiting the tree. The adults remain home in the real world.

"Livid and I'm holding it against them and [screenwriter] Simon [Farnaby]," Foy said. "I'm not letting it go. I want to get up those ladders and get into those lands."

Working with the young actors Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Phoenix Laroche and Billie Gadsdon elevated the adults' performances, Garfield said. He rose up to match their energy.

"It's a strange thing," Garfield said. "They call it Dr. Theater where you can have a broken leg and you have to go on stage and you stop limping. Then you start limping again once you walk off stage."

Foy and Garfield do participate in dance scenes with the children and the ensemble cast at the farm. Foy said they did their best to keep up with the choreographers.

"We did actually have professional dancers," Foy said. "They were doing some amazing things and then we came along and just sort of do-si-do'ed with the kids and some thigh slapping."

Farnaby adapted Enid Blyton's book and Foy has previously starred in adaptations of The Girl in the Spider's Web and Little Dorrit. She also played Queen Elizabeth II on The Crown.

Garfield played Spider-Man in three films and historical figures such as Jim Bakker, Jonathan Larson and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. One of his proudest accomplishments, however, was becoming a character on BoJack Horseman.

"It's an honor, a true honor because I love that show so much, one of my favorite TV shows and I love it," Garfield said. "I love how they made fun of me or the idea of me. I think it's genius, that show. It made me cry and laugh a lot."

Set in a Hollywoo, after the D is stolen, populated by talking animals, the animated satire featured a human Garfield with similarities to the cat Garfield, because he hated Mondays and loved lasagne. Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg did a British accent for his voice.

"Why didn't they just ask me? I would have done it," Garfield said. "They did a parody of me, very neurotic. It's very funny."

Actor Andrew Garfield turns 43

Andrew Garfield attends the world premiere of "Lions For Lambs" in London on October 22, 2007. Photo by Rune Hellestad/UPI | License Photo

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