
tvMar 26, 20261:11:25failed
THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE: Enchanting or just lost in the woods?
About this episode
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 nostalgia. Then there’s Splitsville, a comedy exploring relationships in all their messy, unpredictable glory. And finally, They Will Kill You, a new horror starring Tom Felton—son of Jason Isaacs, of course. They’re really related you know, just like all the Skarsgårds and Sargaards….The
Elsewhere, we’ll have all the usual Take treats: the box office top 10, a Laughter Lift that may (or may not) brighten your week, and your ever-wonderful correspondence. Thanks for listening!
You can contact the show by emailing [email protected] or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo
Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey
Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts
To advertise on this show contact: [email protected]
Timecodes:
00:00:00 Show starts
00:07:57 Splitsville
00:14:59 Box Office top ten
00:31:43 François Ozon Interview
00:44:11 They Will Kill You review
00:51:35 Laughter Lift
00:56:56 The Magic Faraway Tree
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Kermode & Mayo’s Take publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Is this the darkest ROBIN HOOD adaptation ever? + BILL PULLMAN
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
Sep 3, 20261:21:29failed

THE DOG STARS: Top dog or a dog’s dinner?
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
Aug 27, 20261:15:55pending

TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA: The most Mark film evz? + Johnny Flynn
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
Aug 20, 20261:15:16pending

THE END OF OAK STREET: “Why does it exist?” + SIAN CLIFFORD on LADY
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
Aug 13, 20261:29:37pending