A New Journey Beneath the Surface of Narnia
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Director: Greta Gerwig
Based on: The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Ben Kingsley, James McAvoy, Dev Patel, and Tilda Swinton (voice cameo)
Runtime: 2h 14min
Release Date: December 20, 2024
After a long wait, the land of Narnia finally returns to the silver screen in “Narnia 4: The Silver Chair (2024)”, a sweeping, emotional, and visually stunning adaptation of the fourth book in C.S. Lewis’s beloved fantasy series. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film reimagines the tale with both reverence for the source material and a bold, modern cinematic approach.
Set decades after the events of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, this new chapter invites audiences into a darker, more mysterious side of Narnia—one that lies beneath the ground and within the hearts of its heroes.
When the young and sensitive Eustace Scrubb (Dev Patel) returns to Narnia, he brings along a new companion: a troubled schoolmate named Jill Pole (Millie Bobby Brown). Both are summoned to Aslan's Country, where the majestic lion entrusts them with a dangerous mission—to find the lost Prince Rilian, son of King Caspian, who has vanished in the wild northern lands.
Guided by four cryptic signs given by Aslan himself, Eustace and Jill are sent on a perilous journey accompanied by one of the most unforgettable characters in the Narnia series: the gloomy, loyal, and hilarious Marshwiggle Puddleglum (Ben Kingsley), who steals every scene with his dry wit and quiet courage.
Their quest leads them into the giant-infested land of Ettinsmoor, across the bleak moors, and ultimately into the Underland, a labyrinthine world beneath Narnia, ruled by the mesmerizing and malevolent Lady of the Green Kirtle—a sorceress whose control over Prince Rilian hides a much darker secret.
The Silver Chair introduces audiences to a more shadowed side of Narnia—a kingdom long past its golden age, with its beloved King Caspian now an old man in mourning, and an entire generation unsure whether the old magic still lives.
Gerwig’s direction brings this haunting atmosphere to life with a perfect balance of wonder and danger. There’s beauty in the eerie stillness of the Underland, in the way time seems to stretch and bend, and terror in the enchanted Silver Chair itself—where Prince Rilian is bound each night, forced to forget who he is under the enchantress’s spell.
James McAvoy reprises a brief but powerful role as the now-aged King Caspian, delivering one of the film’s most poignant scenes in a moment of farewell and hope.
Millie Bobby Brown delivers a strong, emotionally layered performance as Jill Pole—a girl wrestling with fear, insecurity, and guilt. Through her journey, she learns not only to be brave, but to believe in something greater than herself. Her chemistry with Dev Patel’s Eustace—a far more mature and heroic version than in Dawn Treader—adds depth to their friendship.
Ben Kingsley’s Puddleglum is an instant fan-favorite. His pessimism often hides a deep wisdom, and his unwavering belief in the truth becomes the turning point of the film’s climax. One unforgettable line that echoes through the final act:
"Even if this world is all a dream, it’s a dream I choose to live in."
At its core, Narnia 4: The Silver Chair is a story about truth—how easy it is to forget it, how hard it is to hold onto it, and how powerful it becomes when remembered. The enchanted Silver Chair symbolizes the lies we are told and the lies we tell ourselves to avoid pain.
The film doesn’t shy away from loss or doubt. Jill’s struggles with belief mirror the struggles of many in a world that’s forgotten wonder. But Aslan’s presence, though limited in screen time, is felt constantly—in dreams, signs, and sacrifices.
The cinematography by Roger Deakins is breathtaking—icy cliffs, endless caves lit by glowing crystals, and the glowing emerald light of the Enchantress’s throne room. Each location in the film is distinct and alive with atmosphere.
The score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, blends sweeping orchestral movements with haunting choral whispers. Aslan’s theme reappears, this time more distant, yet still powerful—like a memory fighting to be remembered.
The film’s climax takes place deep within the Underland. As Rilian (portrayed by rising star Jacob Elordi) is bound to the Silver Chair, Jill, Eustace, and Puddleglum must choose whether to believe him when he screams the truth.
In a moment of pure courage, Puddleglum stomps out the Enchantress’s spellfire and declares his belief in Aslan—even if he has no proof. It is a triumph of faith over illusion, and with Rilian’s sword finally returned to him, the heroes fight their way out of the collapsing Underland as the sorceress reveals her true, monstrous form.
In a touching final act, Prince Rilian is reunited with his father, only to say goodbye moments later as Caspian passes into Aslan’s Country. Jill and Eustace return to their world, changed forever—braver, wiser, and ready to believe in wonder again.
The film closes with Aslan’s voice in the wind:
“In your world, I have another name. Learn to know me by it.”
“Narnia 4: The Silver Chair (2024)” is a bold, soulful return to a beloved world. It honors Lewis’s message while giving new life to a timeless tale. It’s a story about the darkness we face, the truth we fight for, and the light that never truly leaves us.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Narnia, this journey will leave a mark on your heart.
Tagline: “The truth lies beneath.”
