Set in England during World War I, the film follows the true story of two young girls, Elsie Wright (played by Florence Hoath) and Frances Griffiths (played by Elizabeth Earl), who capture the imagination of the nation with their claims of having photographed fairies in their garden.
Elsie and Frances claim to have befriended the fairies, who they claim live at the bottom of their garden near a stream. They produce a series of photographs depicting themselves interacting with the fairies, which quickly become a sensation and attract the attention of the public, the media, and even renowned spiritualists and skeptics.
As the photographs gain widespread attention, they spark a debate over their authenticity, with some believing them to be genuine evidence of the existence of fairies, while others dismiss them as hoaxes or trickery. The girls’ families and the community are divided over the issue, with some supporting their claims and others doubting their credibility.
Among those drawn into the controversy are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (played by Peter O’Toole), the creator of Sherlock Holmes and a firm believer in the supernatural, and Harry Houdini (played by Harvey Keitel), the famed magician and skeptic. Both men become intrigued by the photographs and set out to investigate their authenticity, each coming to their own conclusions about the true nature of the fairies.
As the debate rages on, Elsie and Frances find themselves caught in the middle, facing scrutiny and skepticism from those who doubt their claims. Despite the pressure and scrutiny, they remain steadfast in their belief in the fairies and the magical world they inhabit.
In a climactic sequence, Elsie and Frances are given the opportunity to prove the existence of the fairies once and for all. They lead a group of skeptics and believers to the spot where they claim to have encountered the fairies, hoping to capture them on film once again.
In a magical and emotional moment, the fairies reveal themselves to the assembled crowd, confirming the girls’ claims and validating their belief in the supernatural. The photographs taken during this encounter become the most famous and compelling evidence of the existence of fairies, capturing the imagination of the world and cementing Elsie and Frances’ place in history.
The film ends with Elsie and Frances reflecting on their extraordinary journey and the impact it has had on their lives and the world around them. Despite the skepticism and controversy that surrounded their claims, they remain steadfast in their belief in the magical world of the fairies, forever changing the way people see the world around them.
“FairyTale: A True Story” is praised for its enchanting storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and heartfelt performances. It offers a captivating exploration of the power of belief, the magic of childhood, and the enduring allure of the unknown.