The Land of Sometimes (2026) Film Review

Directed by: Leon Joosen

Written by: Martin Casella, Francesca Longrigg, Tony Nottage

Starring: Mel Brooks, Helena Bonham Carter, Ewan McGregor

Film Review by: Holly Baker

⭐⭐⭐

Directed by Leon Joosen, The Land of Sometimes is a spritely addition to the children’s Christmas film genre. This animated piece is a well-crafted, vibrant, and touching creation that will light up family TV screens this Christmas. With dazzling performances from the entire cast, most notably Helena Bonham Carter, who delivers her usual sinister yet alluring demeanour, parents of children will feel engrossed and nostalgic as they become immersed in this film’s lively world.

The film follows a small family centred around twins Alfie and Elise. They live in an isolated countryside area and eagerly await Christmas every year. Despite the family’s economic struggles, the twins are grateful for the gifts they receive and wholeheartedly enjoy the Christmas traditions their parents uphold. One year, however, their father’s duties as a soldier are extended, leaving Alfie and Elise with just their mother over Christmas. The absence of their father has caused the family dynamic to become disturbed, the twins are ungrateful and estranged from their mother. As a last resort for their mother, as her frustration begins to overflow, she gifts the children with a mysterious pocket watch- the catalyst for their adventure, which will follow.

Alfie and Elise are transported into the magical Land of Sometimes, guided by an alluring Guardian who informs them they have a limited number of wishes which they may use whilst in this land. The land itself is full of excitement and creativity, unique creatures rule the bizarre landscape, and the whole thing has an air of surrealism which effortlessly draws you in. 

As is customary for children’s films, there is a clear moral lesson that gradually surfaces throughout the twins’ adventure. Adults may easily detect where the moral of the story will go; however, they will find themselves rooting for the twins nonetheless as their characters develop, and their relationship softens as they find the sentiment of family to be what is most important to them after all. 

The Land of Sometimes Film Trailer

The animation style is quite basic, however, it is made up for with creative artistry through well-thought-out character designs and world-building. Whilst the children come across as slightly irritating at first, the film carefully gives them grace, particularly for Elise, who’s very much transformed by the events of the film.

The film falters slightly in centering itself around a nuclear family of four in an era when family and Christmas can mean so many different things, coming in all shapes and sizes. It feels a slight shame to reinforce this traditional model and relate it strongly to what Christmas means, when there have been so many interesting, touching animated films with a loving sentiment suitable for all children. For instance, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Frozen are recent holiday favourites which brilliantly divert societal norms surrounding what family is and what Christmas should look like, making them lovable for people from all backgrounds, an important feature of children’s films of today to convey an acceptance of diversity and a celebration of all kinds of love. 

Despite its slightly basic format, with its short run time, unique narration, and an ability to touch on darker themes whilst maintaining a lively Christmas spirit, The Land of Sometimes is certainly one to put on the list this Holiday season, or perhaps even a few months before.

The Land of Sometimes will be in UK Cinemas from 20th March