Das Wunder

A very interesting watch, for the patient viewer or for any fan of periode pieces, drama, or psychological themed movies. The movie is not fastpaced, but it suits its topic: the wasting away of a child supposed to be able to survive off of God's sustenance only (read: without actually eating food). A miracle indeed, or is there more to it?

The movie is incredibly well scripted and fleshed out. The way the topics are developed throughout the movie are very engaging and original. This is a special movie in the sense that it brings up topics other movies have done before, but never in this novel-like way. Even the unlikely or hard to believe elements aren't that much of a nuissance because it makes for a good story. It is slow, which is one of the reasons I would consider it more arthouse instead of a movie for larger audiences. The slow pace emphasizes how agonizing and painful some of the themes and events are.

The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way is there are a few short parts where the fourth wall is broken. In my opinion, it did not have a clear function and only reduced my ability to really immerse myself. Especially since it is a movie about 19th century Ireland, I would have preferred everything stuck to that. I don't mind fourth wall breaks in general, but here, it just kept me questioning for the first hour what it's purpose was. All of this is set during a period of time in Ireland when the Great famine was a problem. There was no need for a narrator. It was not a comedy. It did not add to the understanding of the plot. Even after finishing the film, I don't understand nor agree with the odd choice.

Other than that, the acting is very good, especially by the main character (Florence Pugh plays the nurse who's supposed to keep watch of the fasting girl). Some characters seem a bit instrumental, e.g. The parents of the fasting girl, though their motives are eluded at, hardly say anything throughout it all. The scenery and camerawork is very much like most aspects of the movie: professionally well done, a pleasure to watch and fitting to the plot.

In short, it has a couple of downsides, but it is very much worth the watch and I imagine the right viewer will be very impressed by "The Wonder".

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.

Religion versus science, superstitiousness versus good sense, this brilliantly photographed and atmospheric movie opens a field even into our own times: rational thinking versus conspiracy nonsense, intelligent sensitivity versus ignorant hypocrisy, truth versus lies. Which of these values is going to conquer?

The plot develops intentionally slow, due to rural 19th century irish country-side, and it asks for some patience to dive into the psychological subtle-ness of the screenplay. Your patience will be rewarded by great camera-work, unconventional soundtrack, and last but not least by Florence Pugh in another convincing and strong performance.

I wouldn't have needed the breaking of the fourth wall in the beginning and the end, but that's just a matter of personal taste.

Strongly recommended for an adult open-minded viewer.

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.

Florence Pugh stars as an English nurse who travels to Ireland in 1860 to watch over an eleven-year-old girl who has not eaten in the four months since her First Holy Communion. She has been hired to either prove or disprove the possibility of a miracle in the Irish village.

Kila Lord Cassidy is the young girl and she more than holds her own while on screen with Ms. Pugh. Most of the film is almost a two person play with a pair of magnificent performances.

The entire cast is superb but the two main players are so good that I was riveted by the unpredictable story.

As a life long but often doubting Catholic, I highly recommend this great movie.