Das Wunder

As "The Wonder" (2022 release from Ireland; 109 min) opens, we are introduced to. Lib Wright, an English nurse who is sent to a remote part of Ireland to observe an 11 yo girl whose family claims has not eaten in 4 months. Or has she? Lib is to watch the girl in 8 hour shifts, along with a local nun... At this point we are 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from acclaimed Chilean director Sebastian Lelio ("Gloria", "A Fantastic Woman"). Here he brings to the big screen the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue. I have not read that novel and hence cannot comment how closely (or not) the movie sticks to the original book. The movie is deliberately paced slowly, reflecting the times of Ireland in the 1860s. Initially it is difficult to understand what exactly is going on (how can the girl sruvive for months without eating?), but then as the movie plays out, we finally see the bigger picture: a morality play on religion with different perspectives from the girl's parents, the doctor, the parish priest, and of course the nurse. Florence Pugh delivers yet another commanding performance as the English nurese (on the heels of her captivating lead in "Don't Worry Darling" a few months ago). The movie features an outstanding score by British composer Matthew Herbert. The photography, shot on location in Ireland, is equally top notch. Bottom line: this movie grabbed my attention from start to finish, and is one of those that seemingly comes out of nowhere in the best possible way.

"The Wonder" had a very brief and limited US theatrical run in early November, and started streaming on Netflix just last night. It is currently rated 86% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. I couldn't wait to see this. If you are in the mood for a psychological drama/morality play set in the 1860s in rural Ireland, featuring an outstanding lead performance by Florence Pugh, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.

Firstly, the opening title credits were bold (not the font) but as soon as you hit play you will know what I mean... and I really liked the idea too...!

This, as you may have heard, is a slow-burn, but also a very interesting piece. It's great to see new and inventive stories and plot points. You never really quite know what to think or where it will end up, and that was the best part of the writing, directing and editing... Nurse Wright arrives in small town Ireland hired to 'watch' an 11 year old girl for medical reasons... Together with a nun, they take 8 hour shifts, but as it is the year 1860, science and religious beliefs are quite seperate, but also closely linked.

The acting and slow development of the story keep you engaged and your brain ticking over the possible act III outcomes and payoffs... If you enjoy the period piece, drama, thriller type event then go into this one not knowing too much, if that's possible.

Could end up on the best of the year lists for some I think... Especially on the originality scale.

A quiet, wonderful film that sucks you in. Great script based on Emma Donaghue's work.

The viewer gets involved in what's transpiring on screen. He/she waits for the ending with great anticipation not knowing exactly how it will unfold which makes this an engaging psychological thriller as well. It's directed excellently by Sebastian Lelio.

The story takes place about a decade after the Great Famine in Ireland where its population was decimated. This context informs the story and it gives the film its milieu: a people emerging from untold suffering. And it explains the religious fervor of the survivors.

One can understand the motivation of the O'Donnell family for their actions. All the actors brilliantly give flesh to the urgency of their situation. In particular, Florence Pugh gives a tour de force performance. Such a nuanced performance. If you admired her in "Don't Worry Darling," she's far better here. And Kila Lord Cassidy is unequivocally talented for such a young girl. Perhaps, the fact that the actor who plays Rosaleen is her mother in real life inspired her to turn in a riveting performance as Ann.

One draws many lessons here. Can faith misguide a person in an extreme way?

A committed, immersive performance by young newcomer Kíla Lord Cassidy spearheads this period mystery set in rural Ireland in the 19th century, where an 11-year-old girl in a highly religious family has been fasting for four months - seemingly without any physical repercussions. Florence Pugh is the young nurse sent to observe the girl - and solve the puzzle for us, of course. Although Pugh's performance comes off as anachronistic at times and the film drags in an uneventful middle section which seems to have little other purpose than to fill out the running time, the mystery itself is clever and incorporates enough historical, religious and sociocultural aspects to make this weighty and effective. And whenever you start doubting the story's potential for veracity, Cassidy's authentic performance sucks you back into this bygone world of repressed guilt, shame and emotions.

THE WONDER, directed by Sebastián Leliois, is an intriguing exploration of the relationship between science and religion set in the Irish Midlands of the 1800s. The story begins when English nurse Lib Wright (Francis Pugh) is brought to a small village to investigate the case of Anna O'Donnell (Kila Lord Cassidy), an 11-year-old girl who has stopped eating but remains inexplicably alive and well.

As news of Anna's condition spreads, tourists and pilgrims begin flocking to the village in the hopes of witnessing a miracle. But as Lib begins to suspect that there may be more to Anna's story than meets the eye, she finds herself caught in a battle between those who believe in the power of faith and those who put their trust in science.

Florence Pugh is excellent as Lib, infusing the character with a sense of both determination and vulnerability. Her scenes with Cassidy are particularly strong, as the two actresses play off each other perfectly. The cinematography is beautiful, and the film's exploration of its themes is thought-provoking. The script is intelligent and well-written, and the film's overall atmosphere is incredibly effective.

THE WONDER is a slow-burn film about the power of belief, and how it can sometimes lead us down a path of self-destruction and is sure to leave you guessing until the very end with a lot to talk about after the credits have finished rolling.