Based on the beloved children’s book Magic Beach by Alison Lester, this film doesn’t follow a typical storyline. Instead, it is a collection of short movies unified by the book and its imagery. This film follows nine children and one adorable dog as they read or listen to the words of the popular children’s book, Magic Beach, which is still available in Australian retailers today. As the children absorb the text or hear it read aloud, they begin to drift off, using their imaginations to create their vision of what this beach might look like. Their imagination extends beyond the surface, exploring the unknown aspects of the beach, including what might be happening beneath it. Some ideas take elements of a real beach and expand them into far more fantastical concepts.
The film showcases the unique stories of each child (and a dog) through a vibrant blend of animation, art design, and live-action elements. With each dream sequence or imaginative moment, the viewer is left in suspense about what will happen next or how it will be presented artistically. If you enjoy Magic Beach or have an appreciation for art and animation, you’ll likely find Magic Beach particularly appealing.
Magic Beach was directed by Robert Connolly, known for his previous films, including The Dry (2020), Blueback (2022), and Paper Planes (2014). The original book, Magic Beach, was written by Alison Lester, a well-regarded author known for her diverse works that appeal to young audiences. While Alison Lester’s Magic Beach features a distinct style in its illustrations and animation, the film adopts a different approach, showcasing a diverse range of animations and styles to convey the same concept.
As a passionate movie lover, I was taken by surprise by this film. I didn’t expect it to be a series of shorts based around children dreaming or imagining adventures on a beach. Since each child goes through the same experience, watching the film becomes a challenge. Due to the lack of any actual plot or story, it quickly became dull. However, I must admit that the animation and the range of visuals are truly stunning. Watching one of these shorts as a standalone piece would be far more rewarding, but experiencing them one after the other didn’t work for me as I had hoped. Still, I admire the director’s approach and recognise that this film is a unique contribution to both Australian cinema and the animated film genre.
Overall, while Magic Beach features stunning visuals, vibrant colours, and impressive creativity, it unfortunately lacks a cohesive storyline. This absence makes the film more challenging to engage with than one would expect for a children’s feature. Additionally, the film is repetitive, feels drawn out, and can be challenging to follow. If you appreciate animation, art, and the book Magic Beach by Alison Lester, you may find this film more rewarding. However, for general movie lovers and cinephiles, it might come as a disappointing surprise.
Magic Beach (2024) is now available on Blu-ray & DVD, thanks to Madman Films!
5.3/10
Published: 3rd April 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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