Mischievous Myrtle Befriends a Magical Creature

The film "Fing!" centers on Myrtle, a remarkably spoiled 11-year-old whose demanding nature terrifies her parents and alienates her peers. Young star Iona Bell delivers a performance that captures Myrtle's unpleasantness, making her eventual lesson in friendship and character all the more impactful. The movie adopts a distinctly British style of humor, amplifying personalities and scenarios with imaginative flair.

The narrative draws comparisons to Roald Dahl's distinctive style and "E.T.," featuring a magical creature, the Fing, that Myrtle's parents procure from a remote jungle. This quest highlights the film's fantastical elements and sets up the central relationship. The arrival of the Fing, a one-eyed, fluffy creature, parallels Myrtle's own temperament and hair color, suggesting an immediate connection.

Myrtle's newfound companionship with the Fing paradoxically helps her become calmer and happier, leading her to form her first genuine friendship with a neighbor boy, Tyler. The second half of the film shifts into an adventure as the Fing is pursued by shadowy officials, experiencing stress that affects its appearance. This pursuit underscores themes of social class and entitlement, particularly when contrasted with Myrtle's more modest background.

The film's visual style, with its stylized sets and intense color grading, enhances its heightened reality. While this whimsical approach is generally well-controlled, it occasionally leads to abrupt character developments that rely on viewer inference. Despite these narrative quirks, "Fing!" is recognized as a charming and quirky film, though it is notably linked to author David Walliams, who faces ongoing allegations of sexual harassment.