Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adaptation has positive themes but falls short on magic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Secret Garden (2020)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say the film has a mix of opinions, with some enjoying its magical elements and modern take, while others feel it strays too far from the original stories, lacking depth and emotional resonance. Visual effects receive praise, but critics mention the themes might not be suitable for younger audiences, encompassing sad moments and mild violence, so parental discretion is advised.
- strong visual effects
- mixed reviews
- themes of loss
- lacks depth
- suitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE SECRET GARDEN tells the story of young orphan Mary Lennox (Dixie Egerickx), who's sent to live with her uncle, Lord Archibald Craven (Colin Firth), who's still mourning his late wife years after her death. Stuck indoors with housekeeper Mrs. Medlock (Julie Walters), Mary finds solace in her uncle's enchanting estate and becomes enamored with the magical secret garden she finds hidden in the grounds.
Is It Any Good?
This is an accomplished turn by director Marc Munden, and it has an indelible charm despite delving into heavy themes like grief. With children at the forefront, The Secret Garden encourages adult viewers to get back in touch with their childlike wonder. But for a film all about imagination, it's hard not to wish it offered a little bit more.
There's some enchantment, certainly, but the movie lacks a certain spark. It actually works better as a more profound study of grief -- particularly in children who are trying to make sense of losing a parent. This is where the film excels, and it's helped along by exciting performances from the young cast, especially Egerickx, who's fantastic as Mary. (On the other hand, there isn't enough of Julie Walters. But then, there's never really enough of Julie Walters.) Devoted fans of the book -- of whom there are many -- will notice significant differences between it and this adaptation, most notably in the fantastical way the garden itself is portrayed (in the book, it's very much a standard, if special, garden) and in Mary and Colin's mothers' relationship. Those who aren't as familiar with the original story may be more likely to enjoy the movie for what it is, not what it isn't.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Secret Garden tackles grief. How do both Mary and her uncle start to overcome their own grief? Have you lost anyone? How did it make you feel? Get tips on talking to kids about difficult subjects.
Mary moves to a new country and must make friends in a new setting. Have you ever experienced anything similar? What can you learn from Mary's experiences that you could use if you have to do something similar? What character strengths does she display?
Much of the story is set outdoors in the garden. What are the benefits of spending time outdoors when possible and connecting to the world around us?
The characters use their imagination to "travel" to other places. Can you give any examples of when you and your friends have used your imagination creatively?
What differences did you notice between the book and the movie? What was changed? What did you miss? How does this version of the story compare to previous movie adaptations?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 22, 2020
- Cast : Dixie Egerickx , Colin Firth , Julie Walters
- Director : Marc Munden
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : STX Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and some mild peril
- Last updated : January 14, 2026
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