A Boy and His Bear

Goodbye Christopher Robin is the complicated true story behind the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh. Director Simon Curtis and Fox Searchlight Pictures keep it PG without avoiding the harsh reality of a beloved children’s book. Domhnall Gleeson plays English author A. A. Milne. Though friends and family know him as “Blue.” We explore Milne’s early profession as a London playwright and the shell shock he suffers from after World War I. He moves his family to the Countryside for peace and quiet. Margot Robbie plays Blue’s socialite wife Daphne who supports his writing, but she isn’t the best mother. She almost resents their son and leaves for an extended period of time.

The real Christopher Robin Milne is referred to as Billy Moon. Will Tilston primarily plays the 8 year old Billy with a large collection of stuffed animals. Including a Tiger named Tigger, a pig named Piglet, a donkey named Eeyore, and a bear named Edward. Kanga & Roo come later. Daphne bonds with her son by doing the character voices, but it’s clear he prefers the nanny. The Scottish Kelly Macdonald plays the caring Olive who Billy refers to as Nou. She raises him when his parents can’t be bothered. When she leaves, Blue bonds with his son and gets inspiration for the poem “Vespers” and the book Winnie-the-Pooh. The name Winnie-the-Pooh comes from a bear at the Zoo named Winnipeg or “Winnie” and Pooh came from a swan.

Stephen Campbell Moore plays illustrator E. H. Shepard who drops by to bring the Hundred Acre Wood to life. As delightful as it is to see Winnie-the-Pooh become successful, Billy is forced to become Christopher Robin. His fame brings interviews, photo sessions, and several public appearances. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one such pushy reporter. Billy grows to resent his fame and ends up bullied by boys from boarding school. He suddenly grows into the 18 year old Alex Lawther. Christopher goes against his family by enlisting in World War II. Though his possible death was likely added for dramatic effect. They do reconcile, but the price of fame never goes away. Even when it asks difficult questions, Goodbye Christopher Robin is still a honey coated version of history.

A. A. Milne and Christopher Robin play