Mark Gatiss’ reimagining of The Amazing Mr Blunden 2021 blends festive charm and supernatural thrills into a fresh take on a beloved ghost story, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
TITLE: The Amazing Mr Blunden
RELEASED: 24 December 2021 (Sky)
DIRECTOR: Mark Gatiss
CAST: Simon Callow, Tamsin Greig, Mark Gatiss, Tsion Habte, Jason Rennie
Review of The Amazing Mr Blunden 2021
Mark Gatiss’ The Amazing Mr Blunden 2021 is a lovely retelling of the much-loved 1972 film, which itself was inspired by Antonia Barber’s 1969 novel The Ghosts.
The story follows Lucy and Jamie Allen, two modern teenagers who, along with their mum, are invited to look after an old, crumbling mansion.
What begins as a cosy, old-fashioned adventure soon becomes something much more mysterious. The siblings meet two ghostly children, Sara and Georgie, who are trapped in time, reliving the same terrible events over and over.
Enter Mr Blunden (Simon Callow), a kind but sorrowful figure who helps Lucy and Jamie travel back to 1821. Their mission? To save Sara and Georgie from their cruel caretakers, the wicked Mr and Mrs Wickens (Mark Gatiss and Tamsin Greig).
Mark Gatiss, a lifelong fan of the original story, brings fresh energy to this adaptation. He carefully blends the whimsical charm of the past with modern ideas, creating a story that feels timeless yet new.
By imagining the ghosts as travellers caught in time rather than traditional spirits, he adds a thought-provoking twist to this tale of redemption, second chances, and the strange, fluid nature of time.
Simon Callow is extraordinary as Mr Blunden. His performance radiates warmth and sadness in equal measure, capturing a man haunted by regret but fuelled by hope. His interactions with the young cast, particularly Tsion Habte as Lucy, are full of heart and humanity, giving the film its emotional core.
Meanwhile, Gatiss and Greig are deliciously entertaining as the villains, the Wickens. Gatiss brings a fiery, chaotic energy to his role, while Greig’s icy, scheming performance oozes menace. They tread a fine line between frightening and funny, which keeps the film light-hearted.
Visually, The Amazing Mr Blunden is a delight. The creaking mansion, glowing candles, and stunning period costumes create a magical, wintry feel, perfect for Christmas. The time-travel scenes, with their dreamlike effects, add a touch of wonder, while the updated modern setting helps the story feel relatable without losing its historical charm.
For fans of the original, there are lovely nods to the past. Madeline Smith and Rosalyn Landor, who starred in the 1972 film, make delightful cameos, and Gatiss’ clear love for the story shines through every frame. This version feels both like a tribute and a fresh take.
At its heart, The Amazing Mr Blunden is a story about love, courage, and redemption. It’s spooky in all the right ways but never loses its warmth, making it an ideal Christmas film for the whole family. While the Wickens’ exaggerated antics might not suit everyone’s taste, they fit the playful, family-friendly tone of the film.
This remake is a beautiful homage to classic ghost stories, filled with festive charm, a touch of darkness, and a whole lot of heart. Simon Callow is unforgettable, and Mark Gatiss brings a loving, modern perspective to this timeless tale. It’s a film that reminds us that, just like great stories, time is a circle that keeps turning.
While fans of the original might feel the pull of nostalgia, this version shines brightest when enjoyed as a standalone ghost story. Is it better than the original?
Maybe not, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a magical, lovingly made film, and Simon Callow feels like he was destined to play the title role.
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