
THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE: Enchanting or just lost in the woods?
From Kermode & Mayo’s Take by Sony Music Entertainment
March 26, 2026 · 1h 11m · Season 1 · Episode 221
About this episode
This episode features an interview with director François Ozon discussing his film The Stranger and includes reviews of new releases like The Magic Faraway Tree.
Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member-only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor’s Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fortnightly LIVE show—a raucous, unfiltered lunchtime special with the Good Doctors, new features, and live chat so you can heckle, vote, and have your questions read out in real time. On this week’s episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Take, director François Ozon joins us to talk about his latest film, The Stranger. He sits down with Simon and Mark to discuss the inspirations behind the story, balancing ambiguity and tension, and the challenges of bringing such a distinctive vision to the screen—along with a few reflections on his wider body of work and the themes that continue to draw him in. You’ll be able to hear Mark’s full verdict on The Stranger in two weeks’ time, and this week we have a packed slate of new releases. First up, The Magic Faraway Tree brings a beloved children’s classic to life with a mix of whimsy, adventure, and a touch of…
People in this episode
Hosts: Simon Mayo, Mark Kermode
Guest: François Ozon
Topics covered
- film review
- interview
- new releases
- children's literature
- comedy
- horror
Keywords
- François Ozon
- The Stranger
- The Magic Faraway Tree
- film review
- comedy
- horror
- children's classic
- interview
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Stranger, The Magic Faraway Tree, Splitsville, They Will Kill You
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