What Is Come Away About?
The premise of Come Away in 309 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the gentle sweep of the English countryside, a close‑knit family finds solace in the untamed imagination of its three children. Alice delights in quiet wonder, often retreating to hidden corners where ordinary woods transform into secret realms. Peter, ever the restless spirit, darts from game to game, his laughter echoing through the trees as he assumes countless roles. Their older brother, David, is the steady anchor, his quiet curiosity grounding the pair’s flights of fancy. Together they inhabit a world where stories whispered by their mother seem to breathe life into the very foliage around them, and the simple act of play feels like a shared ritual against the backdrop of rolling hills and misty lanes.
When an unforeseen tragedy reshapes the family’s rhythm, the children’s coping becomes an unspoken pact to seek something beyond the familiar. The quiet village gives way to the pulsing heart of London, a city that glitters with both promise and mystery. Here, the siblings encounter a peculiar pawnshop owner whose shopfront feels like a threshold between the mundane and the magical. Alice discovers a rabbit‑hole that offers an unexpected refuge, a place where the ordinary slips away and wonder beckons. Meanwhile, Peter feels an irresistible pull toward a hidden fellowship of youthful wanderers— the Lost Boys— whose existence hints at a realm where adventure blooms without end.
The film balances the tender melancholy of loss with the luminous optimism of childhood myth. Its tone drifts between the soft, almost lyrical atmosphere of pastoral England and the electric, secret‑laden streets of the capital, weaving together threads of family affection, the yearning for escape, and the timeless allure of stories that promise another world just beyond the next turn. As the siblings stand on the cusp of this duality, the audience is invited to wonder what lies just beyond the veil of everyday life.
What Happens in Come Away?
The complete story of Come Away, from the first scene to the last, in 754 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the soft glow of the evening, a mother’s calming voice resonates as she reads aloud the poignant lines of William Butler Yeats’ “The Stolen Child” to her three children—two lively boys and a gentle girl. The enchanting narrative revolves around David, Peter, and Alice, who live with their parents, Jack and Rose Littleton, in a quaint home nestled near a lush forest just outside London. As the children’s imaginations flourish, they find solace in the woodland realm, where Alice exhibits a unique maturity that contrasts with Peter’s spirited nature as he immerses himself in various roles, darting through the trees like a wild boy.
The Littleton family is blessed with a clever and talented son, David. Eleanor, Rose’s sister, recognizes his remarkable intellect and offers to support his educational pursuits. Together, they explore the forest, unearthing an eagle feather and a stranded boat, igniting their curiosity about the possibilities of repair.
Their idyllic life is shattered when David, caught in a whirlwind of imagination while pretending to engage in a sword fight against pirates during a violent storm, falls into the river and is tragically struck by lightning. The family’s dynamic shifts as they cope with their overwhelming grief in various ways. Jack, a skilled model maker, spirals back into his compulsive gambling habits, while Rose becomes fixated on creating a green felt hat for David’s upcoming birthday, a purpose that proves elusive amid the mounting turmoil of a rejected boat model Jack crafted.
Meanwhile, Eleanor redirects her attention towards Alice, determined to mold her into the epitome of a refined lady, hoping this will elevate their family’s social standing given her mixed heritage. In search of financial stability, Peter and Alice venture into London to sell their family heirloom—a silver pocket watch. Their journey leads them to cross paths with a group of scrappy street urchins who have encountered an intimidating criminal in the bustling cityscape.
As fate unfolds, the siblings meet an eccentric shopkeeper named Hatter, who assists them in locating a moneylender and a low-tier crime boss, Captain James, also known as CJ. Unbeknownst to Peter and Alice, CJ is their long-lost uncle. Later, Peter encounters the scrappy street urchins again, only to discover they are part of the notorious Lost Boys. They share thrilling tales about a magical place known only to children: Neverland. The enchanting pull of this otherworldly realm becomes irresistible for Peter, leading him to accept an invitation to join the Lost Boys on their fantastical escapades.
In parallel, Jack’s mounting debt catches up to him, leading him to seek out his estranged brother to settle his financial woes. However, CJ’s loyalty to his criminal associates comes into question, resulting in a horrifying act of vengeance against Jack, leaving him with a vivid reminder of his financial struggles—a severed hand.
As Peter grows increasingly resentful of James’s wealth, he hatches a daring plan to infiltrate the underground crime scene of London, seeking the fabled Lost Boys. With intentions of stealing the gold coins James safeguards for various nefarious factions, Peter aims to finance his adventures. However, when James confronts him during the heist, a fierce duel ensues, culminating in Peter severing James’s hand and narrowly escaping with James and his band in hot pursuit. The incident forces Peter to abandon his previous identity and don the green attire of his deceased brother, complete with the distinctive eagle feather hat.
As Peter flees, Alice becomes entangled in his world once more, catching sight of him sailing away on an enigmatic vessel manned by the Lost Boys. This time, their destination is Neverland, with the ship magically lifting off the ground, aided by a playful fairy. Although Peter briefly returns to drop off some of his stolen goods to help support his family, he soon vanishes into the night.
Years later, Alice recounts her own adventures to her children, Wendy and her brothers John and Michael. As her story unfolds, it is evident that she has blossomed into an independent woman, long separated from her husband, George Darling. Upon returning home from an outing, she is taken aback to find the bedroom windows wide open, with an eagle feather lying just beneath. Her thoughts drift back to her brothers and their childhood mimicry of the birds they adored. Gazing up at the starlit sky, she dares to hope that it might be one of them, come to whisk her niece and nephews away to the enchanting land of Neverland, where they would surely be embraced by Peter himself.
Come Away Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Family Storytime” to “A Glimmer of Hope”. 13 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Family Storytime
In the soft glow of the evening, a mother reads William Butler Yeats' 'The Stolen Child' to her children, David, Peter, and Alice. This moment showcases the family's close bond and the children's vivid imaginations as they engage with the enchanting narrative.
Where:Littleton home
- 2
Exploration of the Forest
David and Eleanor, Rose's sister, venture into the nearby forest, sparking curiosity and exploration. During their adventure, they discover an eagle feather and a stranded boat, deepening David's imaginative pursuits.
Where:Forest near London
- 3
Tragic Accident
Amid a storm, David's immersive play turns tragic as he pretends to sword fight against pirates. In a calamitous turn, he falls into the river and is struck by a lightning bolt, leaving the family shattered and grief-stricken.
Where:River
- 4
Coping with Grief
In the aftermath of David's death, his parents grapple with their sorrow in different ways. Jack falls back into his gambling habits, while Rose becomes fixated on creating a green felt hat for David's birthday amidst their emotional turmoil.
Where:Littleton home
- 5
Reinventing Alice
Eleanor takes an interest in Alice, aiming to mold her into a refined young lady to potentially elevate their family's social standing. This transformation reflects Eleanor's hopes and the pressures of societal expectations.
Where:Littleton home
- 6
Journey to London
In search of financial stability, Peter and Alice travel to London to sell a family heirloom—a silver pocket watch. Their journey through the bustling city introduces them to scrappy street urchins and a dangerous criminal element.
Where:London
- 7
Meeting Captain James
Peter and Alice encounter an eccentric shopkeeper named Hatter, who guides them to a moneylender and a low-tier crime boss named Captain James, also known as CJ. Unbeknownst to them, CJ is related to them, turning their adventure into a familial revelation.
Where:London
- 8
The Allure of Neverland
Peter discovers that the scrappy street urchins are part of a group called the Lost Boys, who share thrilling tales of Neverland, a magical place only accessible to children. The allure of this fantastical place captivates Peter, urging him to join their ranks.
Where:London
- 9
Jack's Financial Crisis
Jack's escalating debts force him to confront his estranged brother, CJ, in hopes of finding a resolution. However, CJ’s loyalty to his criminal associates results in horrific vengeance against Jack, signifying the entrapment of his life choices.
Where:London
- 10
Peter's Dark Descent
Increasingly resentful of James's wealth, Peter devises a risky plan to infiltrate his underground crime operations in London. Intent on stealing gold coins, Peter narrowly escapes after a fierce duel with James, marking a turning point in Peter's life.
Where:London
Show the other 4 events of Come Away Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Peter's Transformation
Following his escape from James, Peter takes on a new identity, dressing in the green attire of his deceased brother, complete with an eagle feather hat. This symbolizes Peter's transition from innocence to a life entwined with danger and adventure.
- 12
Ascent to Neverland
Alice unexpectedly sees Peter sailing away on a magical vessel manned by the Lost Boys. Their journey takes them to Neverland, an enchanting world beyond her imagination, hinting at an impending adventure for both siblings.
Where:At sea
- 13
Alice's Reflection
Years later, Alice shares her own tales of adventure with her children, Wendy, John, and Michael, showcasing her growth into an independent woman. As she reminisces, she finds an eagle feather, invoking memories of hope and dreams from her childhood.
Where:Littleton home
- 14
A Glimmer of Hope
Looking up at the stars, Alice imagines the possibility of her brothers returning as guardians for her children. The eagle feather becomes a symbol of nostalgia and a bridge to her past, raising her hopes of a magical reunion in Neverland.
Where:Littleton home
Who Are the Main Characters in Come Away?
5 characters, among them Peter Littleton, Alice Littleton and Jack Littleton: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
- PL
Peter Littleton
Peter is the spirited and imaginative middle child of the Littleton family, embodying youthful energy and a longing for adventure. Driven by a desire to find excitement and resilience, he becomes embroiled in fantastical escapades that challenge his identity and family ties. His character evolves from innocence to a more complex understanding of the world.
- 👦 Young
- 🌟 Adventurous
- 😔 Lost
-
Alice Littleton
Played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Alice is the gentle and mature sister, who serves as the anchor for her brothers amidst their turbulent lives. Her journey reflects both strength and vulnerability, as she navigates family dynamics while struggling with her role as a caretaker. Alice showcases resilience as she harmonizes her childhood memories with the responsibilities of adulthood.
- 👧 Caring
- 🌹 Mature
- 🌌 Dreamer
-
Jack Littleton
Played by David Oyelowo
Jack is the father, a skilled model maker whose life spirals into chaos following the loss of his son. His struggle with compulsive gambling and financial instability portrays the profound impact of grief on a parent. Jack grapples with his inner demons, leading to conflict within the family as they all cope with their suffering in different ways.
- 👨👧👦 Father
- 💔 Grieving
- 🎲 Gambler
-
Rose Littleton
Played by Angelina Jolie
Rose, the nurturing mother, clings to her memories of David while trying to maintain normalcy for her family. Her fixation on creating a birthday gift for David reflects her inability to let go of the past. Rose's character embodies the theme of maternal love and the struggles of holding a family together in the face of tragedy.
- 👩👦 Mother
- 🧵 Crafty
- ❤️ Devoted
-
Captain James (CJ)
Played by Clarke Peters
Captain James, known as CJ, is depicted as a menacing figure enmeshed in the criminal underworld. He plays a pivotal role in Peter's transformation, becoming a symbol of both threat and familial connection. CJ's dark world serves as a counterpoint to the innocence of the children's adventures, creating tension throughout the narrative.
- 👨✈️ Criminal
- 🚨 Threatening
- 🤝 Family
Where and When Is Come Away Set?
Come Away is set in London, Neverland and Lush Forest. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film does not specify a particular historical time period but reflects the classic themes of childhood and imaginative adventures. It captures a timeless essence of innocence, loss, and the struggles of growing up, weaving together both modern and fantastical elements.
Where
London, Neverland, Lush Forest
The story unfolds in and around London, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and culture. Just outside the city, the characters find solace in a lush forest, a magical backdrop where imagination thrives. The narrative also ventures into Neverland, a fantastical realm known only to children, embodying adventure and escape from reality.
- 🌳 Forest
- 🏙️ London
- 🧚 Fantasy
What Are the Themes of Come Away?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Imagination, Loss and Fantasy.
-
01
Imagination
Imagination serves as a central theme, driving the children's adventures and interactions with the enchanting world around them. Throughout the film, the characters navigate their grief and aspirations through imaginative escapades, illustrating how creativity can provide solace and escape during turbulent times.
-
02
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative as the Littleton family grapples with the tragic death of David. Each family member copes in unique ways, highlighting the struggles to maintain hope and connection in the wake of overwhelming sorrow. This theme is depicted through their individual journeys and the impact of grief on family dynamics.
-
03
Fantasy
Fantasy elements are woven throughout the story, emphasizing the allure and adventures of a world beyond reality. The children's encounter with the Lost Boys and the magical journey to Neverland showcases the importance of believing in the extraordinary, where dreams can come alive amidst the challenges of everyday life.
What Kind of Film Is Come Away?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A bittersweet fantasy drama that blends profound family grief with the whimsical escape of imaginative play, creating a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere rooted in a retelling of classic children's stories.
- melancholic
- whimsical
- nostalgic
- grieving
- dreamlike
- imaginative
- grief and loss
- imagination as escape
- family tragedy
- coming of age
Content notes: child death, amputation (severed hand), parental grief, gambling addiction.
Quiz
How well do you remember Come Away? Test yourself on the story.
