The Wasteland Reviewer

Fairyland (2025) Written Review

How hard is it to raise a daughter as a widowed gay man? This is quite the specific scenario which is the true story of Alysia Abbott upbringing with her father and writer, Steve Abbott. After the tragic death of her mother in a terrible accident, Alysia goes off to San Francisco to live a new life with her father who is free to explore his homosexuality after the death of his wife. This memoir comes to life in this vivid, beautiful, and engrossing coming-of-age tale. Alysia’s life has quite the backdrop with San Francisco during the time of Harvey Milk and the growing AIDs crisis. Writer/director Andrew Durham does wonders to bring this film to life as Alysia’s life is explored on the big screen. 

With this directorial debut, what does Durham bring to Alysia and Steve’s story to bring it to life? Overall, Durham has done a great job of bringing this period and setting to life. The film certainly focuses its energy on San Francisco but there are other settings including France. Durham and company deliver some engaging and beautiful moments that capture the settings so well. There is a moment outside of a hospice house that captures a rich garden, and it just might be one of the most beautiful shots in film this year. Cinematographer Greta Zozula does wonders in capturing a textured and rich looking film that is full of emotion and warmth. There are a few shots throughout the film that hit in such an impactful way and will last long after the film. The score is not the most memorable, but it gives the film some good emotional foundation thanks to Michael Penn’s work. The film is a full two hours but never seems to drag with the expanse of the film’s timeline as well as the engaging atmosphere that Durham crafts. 

Does Durham’s screenplay do right by Abbott’s story and memoir? Alysia’s story certainly has some familiar elements throughout that you have seen and experienced before in other coming-of-age stories. We have even seen a young child have to grow up quickly because their parent is in some type of “arrested development”. But there is plenty of heart and soul in Durham’s exploration of Alysia’s story. From the beginning, Alysia’s story has tragedy with the death of her mother. But the film is reflective in its execution with tragedy meeting Alysia again with the slow demise of her father as well. The backdrop of the AIDs crisis becomes less of a background element as the film goes on which adds layers to Steve Abbott’s journey. The film is honest and raw in its presentation of these characters. Steve is never helped by unrealistic standards due to her trauma growing up hiding who he really is. We see a flawed man who makes bad decisions which has a permanent effect on his daughter. But Durham treats this family with such respect and dignity as we witness Alysia grow and overcome her trauma to accept her father for who he is. Their connection is the core of the film and that gives it plenty of depth. There are other relationships in both Alysia and Steve’s lives with their own effects, but their connection is what this beautiful and messy story is all about. 

Does this cast add layers to Durham’s already rich effort? The biggest standout performance in the film must be Scoot McNairy. Steve is a complex man who has a unique and unfortunate path through life. McNairy delivers an elated joy of expression and vibrance when Steve can live his best life. There is a balance of vibrance and messiness that McNairy balances so effectively when he finally gets to life his true self. Durham gives McNairy that space to explore the layers of Steve’s experience, especially the moments when he opens his emotions. Steve is a character full of trauma, regrets, and loss and McNairy carries that weight effectively throughout his performance. When his life and health take a turn, McNairy delivers a performance that is painfully authentic. There is also the dynamic duo of Nessa Dougherty and Emilia Jones who portray Alysia throughout her years. Dougherty captures the early maturity of Alysia and wears it well. Jones delivers a strong, steady, and engaging performance that captures the layers of Alysia Abbott. Alysia is forced through to confront so many different things from early independence to a sense of wonder exploring the world to a series of trials related to her complex relationship with her father. Jones sells all of this with vigor and life. There are other performers like Geena Davis, Cody Fern, Maria Bakalova, and Adam Lambert who leave their own stamps on the film. An excellent cast ties this powerful film together. 

Is Fairyland one of the must-see dramas of the fall film season? Durham’s film is powerful and an emotional journey worth experiencing. Alysia and Steve’s story is compelling and full of all types of drama and conflict. The deeper backdrop of the film with Harvey Milk, AIDs, and the different cultural movements of the 70s and 80s give Durham’s film so much more life and complexity. For the two hours of this film, Durham, McNairy, and Jones bring the audience on such a moving and compelling experience that will last with you long after the credits roll.