The Wonder

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".

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?

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.

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.