Tom Holland and Chris Pratt come together in ‘Onward’ as a pair of elf brothers living in a mythical world inhabited by mystical creatures. This world was previously run entirely on magic, however, technology and modern innovations have taken over, pushing magic aside.
Pratt plays the role of Barley - the passionate, magic-loving older brother who is keen to re-discover the love their late father had for magic. Ian is his underconfident younger brother, struggling to get through high school.
Their lives are turned upside down when the brothers receive a gift from their late father on Ian’s 16th birthday. They are presented with the opportunity to bring back their father for a day and have the chance to interact with him. The brothers embark on an adventure filled with many magical mishaps, moments of self-discovery and brotherly bonding.
Through the journey, Ian realizes that he never missed out on having a father as Barley was always by his side, being his support. This film appeals to young children and families as it brings up questions of familial bonds and support. However, the concern always lies with having a limited audience. The film is so deeply focussed on the relationship between the siblings, that it leaves very little space for the magical elements.