"Fing!" Brings Whimsy to Sundance

Independent film festivals like Sundance have a reputation for delivering innovative, daring, and edgy new films to audiences from around the world. Documentaries and experimental projects that uncover the darkest truths in our world. That was not the case for this week's family matinee presentation of Jeffrey Walker's Fing! a new Australian/British fantasy film adapted from David Walliams' book. The movie premiered this week to a full theater of festival-goers, adolescents and their parents, eager to lay their eyes on the new project. While not the edgy kind of film Sundance is known for, Fing! is a colorful childrens' movie that will be whimsical fun for the whole family.

Fing! is a new fantasy adventure about Myrtle, an obnoxious little girl who has been spoiled rotten by her parents, Mr and Mrs Meak. After buying her all the presents in existence, Myrtle asks for Fing for her birthday, a mythical creature shaped like a one-eyed fuzzy ball. But the Meaks soon learn that Myrtle is not the only one gunning for this exceptionally rare creature. A nearby Viscount learns of the Fing's existence and intends to capture it for his illustrious wildlife park. Through her friendship with the creature, Myrtle learns how to change for the better.

Fing! stars the talents of Taika Waititi, Mia Wasikowska, Blake Harrison, Richard Roxburgh, Penelope Wilton, and is led by newcomer Iona Bell who is set to star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping later this year. Being just fourteen years old, Bell carries this movie on her back as Myrtle, a Veruca Salt type whose bizarre sense of entitlement has evolved to absolutely cartoonish levels. She plays Myrtle with this shrieking intensity that will make you absolutely despise her, but it is a joy to watch her develop on screen into a more well-rounded person. The other standout performance is Taika Waititi who plays the story's villain: the Viscount. The Viscount is an interesting character because he is essentially an overgrown manchild, obsessed with animals and wealth while not being able to feed or even dress himself without the help of his nanny, played by Penelope Wilton. This role is somehow the most lively we have ever seen Waititi on screen. Every line is delivered with such absurd, comical zeal it's hard not to just sit and wait in anticipation for his next screen appearance. He has great chemistry with young Iona Bell and the two have a perfect back-and-forth.

Director, Jeffrey Walker fully embraces the whimsy and ridiculousness of David Walliams signature style. As someone who grew up reading his books, I couldn't help but appreciate just how far the cast took this aesthetic. For those unfamiliar, think of Roald Dahl but somehow more British. The set decoration by Marina Stojanovic is simply some of the best I have ever seen. Every frame is packed to the gills with color, vibrancy, and character, it's amazing how much the crew was able to make this film feel like a moving storybook. The bright colors and dynamic look for this film is sure to keep the attention of any young child. The costumes made for Waititi are also a downright feast for the eyes.

Fing! is an unapologetically British romp through the ridiculous, never afraid to embrace the absurd. With a charismatic cast and visuals sure to keep anyone's eyes on the screen. It will be a great movie night option for families of all ages when it finally gets a wide release date! For the rest of 2026, let's all take a note from Fing! and make the resolution to not take life too seriously!