The Secret of Moonacre

The Secret of Moonacre

Year: 2008

Runtime: 103 mins

Language: English

Director: Gábor Csupó

FantasyRomanceAdventureRelationship comedyFairy-tale fantasy and enchanted magic

A magical journey unfolds when thirteen‑year‑old Maria Merryweather is orphaned after her father’s death. She leaves her comfortable London home to stay with the eccentric Sir Benjamin, a previously unknown uncle, at the mysterious Moonacre Manor, where she begins to uncover the estate’s strange secrets and an enchanting adventure.

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Timeline & Setting – The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Secret of Moonacre (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

London, Moonacre Manor, Moonacre Valley, Forest

Moonacre Valley is a secluded realm of moonlit nights and ancient legends. Moonacre Manor sits at its heart, a stately estate tied to the old feud between the Merryweather and the de Noirs. The London opening contrasts urban life with the valley’s forested paths where secrets, a hidden casket, and a curse lie in wait.

❄️ Fantasy 🏰 Manor 🌲 Enchanted Forest

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:03

Main Characters – The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

Meet the key characters of The Secret of Moonacre (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards)

An assertive, resourceful girl who inherits the Moonacre Chronicles and learns she is the prophesied Moon Princess. She journeys from a displaced London childhood to a quest across Moonacre Forest to retrieve the pearls and end the curse. Her courage, quick thinking, and empathy drive the plan to unite the feuding families.

✨ Protagonist 🧭 Curiosity 🌙 Destiny

Sir Benjamin Merryweather (Ioan Gruffudd)

A stern, protective uncle and guardian of Moonacre Manor who holds the family’s secrets. He initially disputes Maria’s claims and the valor of the Moon Princess, but gradually reconciles with Loveday and joins the quest.

🛡️ Protector 🏰 Noble ⚔️ Feud

Robin De Noir (Augustus Prew)

A boy from the de Noir family who allies with Maria, torn between his loyalty to his lineage and his feelings for the princess. He grows into a bridge between rival clans and helps lift the curse.

🤝 Ally 💖 Loyalty 🌿 Reconciliation

Coeur De Noir (Tim Curry)

Head of the de Noir family; proud, determined to protect his name; his feud with the Merryweathers intensifies the conflict. His pride often blinds him to the possibility of peace.

🔥 Antagonist 👑 Pride ⚖️ Honor

Loveday (Natascha McElhone)

A de Noir by birth and former fiancée of Sir Benjamin; her return reveals complex loyalties and the past. She aids Maria’s quest while struggling with past loves and family duties.

💔 Past romance 🌕 Moon Princess 🧭 Loyalty

Miss Heliotrope (Juliet Stevenson)

The manor’s governess who guides Maria and helps orchestrate the plan. She provides wisdom, steadiness, and crucial information to move the plot forward.

🗺️ Guide 🎩 Wisdom 📚 Scholar

Wrolf the Dog (Lurko)

Sir Benjamin's black dog who acts as a protector; he reveals an extraordinary form as a white unicorn-like lion and aids Maria on her quest.

🐾 Loyal companion 🐺 Protector

Marmaduke

The manor's chef who provides crucial information and supports Maria on the journey; a loyal, observant helper.

🍽️ Cook 🗝️ Informant 💡 Helper

Digweed (Michael Webber)

The half-wit servant who provides comic relief but also aids in planning and locating clues during the quest.

🎭 Comic 🧭 Helper 🔎 Clue-seeker

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:03

Major Themes – The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

Explore the central themes of The Secret of Moonacre (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Family Unity

Centuries-old feuds between the Merryweather and de Noir families push characters to test loyalties. The plot explores how pride and inherited ill-will corrode communities. By the end, reconciliation and shared duty restore Moonacre Valley to its rightful harmony. Unity is portrayed as essential to breaking the curse.

✨ Magic & Curse

Moon Princess legends, pearls from the moon, and the enchanted forest drive the magical atmosphere. The curse threatens to plunge Moonacre Valley into eternal darkness at the rising of the 5000th moon. The characters seek hidden secrets and use magical artifacts to balance fate. The power of belief shapes their choices.

💫 Identity & Choice

Maria discovers she is the Moon Princess and must decide how to wield her role. The journey tests honesty, deception, and the cost of love across rival families. Her choices push rivals toward alliance rather than vengeance. The ending shows personal growth through acceptance and responsibility.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:03

Unlock the Full Story of The Secret of Moonacre

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Secret of Moonacre in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Secret of Moonacre is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Secret of Moonacre Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Secret of Moonacre, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Secret of Moonacre Summary

The Secret of Moonacre Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Secret of Moonacre with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Secret of Moonacre Timeline

The Secret of Moonacre Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Secret of Moonacre Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Secret of Moonacre

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