From NetFlix:

After taking a job at the mental institution that once housed his father (Nick Nolte) — a famous children’s author — erudite psychiatrist Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) befriends a schizophrenic (Ian McKellen) who unlocks a string of family secrets. Joshua Michael Stern makes an impressive directorial debut with an all-star supporting cast that includes Brittany Murphy, Jessica Lange, Bill Bellamy, William Hurt and Alan Cumming.

Ian McKellen usually appears in good films. Sadly, “Neverwas” is merely acceptable. Considering the impressive cast of characters I can only conclude that the story is less compelling than the characters would wish it to be.

Among the actors we find:

• Aaron was Howie in Rabbit Hole (2010)
• Ian McKellen is a grand old man of acting. Besides “Lord of the Rings” I remember him especially in “Gods and Monsters”.
• Brittany Murphy was Daisy in “Girl Interrupted”
• Nick Nolte was Joe Bechstein in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2008)
• William Hurt was Richie Cusack in “A History of Violence”
• Alan Cumming is currently in “The Good Wife” and also currently
  in the MC for BBC Masterpiece Theater.

Start-studded, but not important enough to watch if your time is limited.