Fairyland Review: Scoot McNairy Delivers His Finest Performance

      Note: This review was initially published as part of our 2023 Sundance coverage. Fairyland will hit theaters on October 3.

      Andrew Durham’s Fairyland stars Scoot McNairy as Steve Abbott, a single father who relocates to San Francisco with his daughter Alysia in the early 1970s following the tragic death of his wife in a car accident. Based on a memoir of the same name by the actual Alysia Abbott, Durham’s debut feature delves into nearly two decades of their father-daughter relationship. About midway through the film, Alysia ages from a bright, carefree child (played by Nessa Dougherty) to an edgy, introverted teenager (portrayed by Emilia Jones). Steve, who is likely as open as a father can be, identifies as bisexual, and his life becomes intertwined with the AIDS crisis; the film’s conclusion always feels inevitable.

      Durham continually presents the camera from fresh perspectives. As a professional photographer, he chooses to film early scenes from the viewpoint of young Alysia, gazing up at the expansive and new world around her: a queer community she hasn’t fully encountered before. The drama, produced by Sofia Coppola, boasts a grainy, textured appearance, and Durham incorporates archival footage from San Francisco Pride to further root the film in the 1970s. He aims for the audience to believe Steve would partake in these celebrations, as he likely would have.

      The relationship between Steve and Alysia is deeply grounded in reality. Their interactions are marked by specificity; their mannerisms and the people who come in and out of their lives––often men Steve dates––are distinctly rendered. He is a poet, articulating the everyday feelings of his life, the events that both uplift and shatter him. He pours orange juice for Alysia, only to discard it when those around them express differing political views. He invites his daughter to share his bed with another man on a night she struggles to sleep. He is nurturing and excessively focused on Alysia’s independence: he seemingly exhausts himself in every encounter he has.

      Fairyland becomes truly memorable during the exchanges between Steve and Alysia. McNairy exhibits undeniable chemistry with Dougherty, who delivers one of the standout child performances of this decade. The first act successfully creates a bond between the audience and this two-person family. Their achievements feel like personal victories––and vice versa. When the film transitions, Jones finds it challenging to adjust to the new dynamics. The supporting cast does little to aid her: many feel out of sync, striving to connect with the world the film depicts. The echoes of Jones's recent role in the award-winning CODA linger, and her character's likability diminishes as a rebellious adolescent, despite her father's evident struggles. Neither character is perfect—they are far from it—but both are genuinely trying their best.

      However, as Steve's health declines and Alysia returns to San Francisco, Durham’s narrative regains momentum. The connection between the two characters (and actors) reignites, evoking a wave of emotions from any viewer witnessing the conclusion of their relationship. The film poignantly highlights the pervasive sorrow of the AIDS crisis, as those around Scott begin to perish, showcasing the neglect faced by him and other men nationwide. It’s truly heart-wrenching.

      In these poignant moments, McNairy delivers the best performance of his long, primarily supporting career. His eyes radiate warmth and sensitivity. He shines as a father yearning to hear that he did his best, reflecting on a life fully lived. While Jones rises to meet the challenge alongside the seasoned actor, Fairyland ultimately belongs to McNairy. He profoundly moved me and will likely affect many viewers similarly, leaving tearful eyes and sniffles. Fairyland is a film that he nurtures, cherishes, and ultimately releases, and in doing so, he presents his finest performance.

      Fairyland made its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.