Pan - The Demon Boy

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This feature is a reimagining of the classic story of Peter Pan, written with a theme that was initially considered by J M Barrie when he first drafted the story at the turn of the twentieth century.   In the late 1970s, the BBC produced a documentary that showcased portions of his development notes. In it, he described Peter Pan as a demon boy who took possession of children and, when they grew older, had to "trim them from the herd." In Pan - The Demon Boy, 12-year-old MARY SMIRK struggles with grief over her father's death and resentment towards her overworked mother and needy younger sister, HAILEE. When Hailee mysteriously disappears, Mary encounters PAN, a charming but sinister boy who offers to help find her sister in a magical realm. Mary follows Pan to Never-Never-Never Land, a dark fantasy world filled with vicious sirens, mermaids, and other mystical creatures. She soon discovers the horrifying truth: Pan is a demonic entity who lures grieving children to feed off their life force. Mary also learns that Hailee is being transformed into a siren in Pan's lair atop a treacherous mountain. Aided by a former captive of Pan, JAMES, and those he has rescued from Pan (the lost boys), Mary embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her sister. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges that test her courage and wit. Throughout her adventure, Mary draws strength from memories of her father's teachings, learning to be "smart and fearless" in the face of danger. As Mary delves deeper into Pan's world, she uncovers the tragic fates of other captured children and the true extent of Pan's evil. In a climactic confrontation, Mary faces Pan's true form—a terrifying demon. Mary outsmarts the demon using her newfound strength and the lessons she learned from her father. She manages to free Hailee from the siren's transformation and pin down Pan's shadow, the source of his power. With Pan defeated, Mary and Hailee escape back to their world. A search-and-rescue team finds them and reunites them with their relieved mother. The harrowing experience transforms Mary, helping her come to terms with her father's death and strengthening her bond with her family. She realizes that while grief remains a part of her, it no longer controls her. Mary embraces her role as a protector and leader within her family, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with newfound resilience and hope.