After The Princess Cursed in Time and The Princess Cursed in Time 2, the same fantasy universe continues with Alchemist Academy (Zrození alchymistky). And that’s the best way to approach it: as a return to a familiar world with a recognisable atmosphere, visual style, and rules. This time, however, the focus shifts away from royal storylines and into an alchemists’ academy, new characters, and secrets rooted in the past.
What’s refreshing is that Czech family fantasy here doesn’t try to be “just a fairy tale.” It aims for an adventure inside a world that feels structured enough for kids to truly live in.
Ariana: a heroine you stay with
Twelve-year-old Ariana works immediately as a lead. Her goal is clear: she wants a home, the truth about her parents, and a place where she belongs. That clarity matters in family fantasy, because it anchors the entire journey. 
Coming from a harsh orphanage background, Ariana feels fragile but never passive. She’s not a heroine who “can do everything.” She’s a heroine who learns — and that makes kids connect to her more deeply than to characters who simply arrive and win.
The academy setting: a winning framework for kids’ fantasy
A school of magic is often a perfect structure for family adventure when it’s done right. Here it works because:
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the rules and exams are clear
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the friendships slowly become a second family
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there’s rivalry, but also loyalty
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and there are secrets unfolding step by step, creating momentum
Lora and Mertur, the young alchemists helping Ariana prepare for the entrance tests, bring energy and pace. They feel like real parts of the world, not just helpers. 
Atmosphere: familiar, but not lazy
Fans of the Princess films usually return for the “feeling” of the universe: the blend of fairy-tale wonder, slightly darker adventure, and locations that seem to open into another time. Alchemist Academy keeps that mood while still trying to stand on its own feet. It doesn’t rely only on recognition — it builds its own thread and its own suspense.
The witch Murien adds a sharper edge, giving the story tension while keeping it family-friendly — exactly the kind of “darkness” kids enjoy without being pushed away by it. 
What it does best: accessibility and rewatch value
In children’s films, one of the strongest signs of success is rewatch value. Do kids ask to see it again? Do they remember the scenes they want to return to?
Alchemist Academy hits that well. It has charming production design, likeable characters, magic, and adventure that isn’t overly complicated. Adults may notice shortcuts, but kids take home the feeling: “That was great — can we watch it again?” 
Where it could use more space (and why that’s not a deal-breaker)
Yes, some story questions could breathe more. Some motivations resolve quickly, and the final exam could feel more developed. But family fantasy often prioritises rhythm and clarity over perfect detail logic.
And in the end, the key question is simple: does it have heart, a world, an adventure — and does it pull kids in? Here, the answer is largely yes. 
Verdict: a warm return to a universe with room to grow
As the next chapter after Princess Cursed in Time 1 and 2, Alchemist Academy is a solid and enjoyable family fantasy. Not a revolution — an expansion of a world, which is exactly what fans usually want. If your kids love magic schools, hidden origins, and mystery-adventures, this is very likely a great pick.
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