The Wonder is a movie directed by Sebastián Lelio starring Florence Pugh and Tom Burke.
An intriguing story, with complex characterizations, in this well developed screenplay. Add to that the good performances and the atmospherics of a good scenography, and you have one of the month’s best movies.
Premise
It is 1862, after the Great Famine, Lib Wright, a nurse, leaves England for Ireland to observe what some see as a medical anomaly and others a miracle, namely, that a girl, Anna, has survived without food for months. In a remote cottage, Lib must watch over the girl in shifts, alternating with a nun, appeasing the town inhabitants who are skeptical of science. Tourists flock to see 11-year-old Anna O’Donnell, and a journalist has come to cover the sensation as two strangers transform each other’s lives in a story of love pitted against evil.
Movie Review
From the get go we are introduced to a story that begs to be told, and heard, narrated by the protagonist. It invites us into to a time and place of hardship, bleakness, parsimony and sheer fight for survival (in body and mind) in the Irish Midlands in the mid 19th century, after the Great Famine. The atmospherics are ideal for a strange, mysterious story, where science and superstition meet.
Florence Pugh is very convincing in the character of an apparently very rigid nurse, Lib Wright. Her portrayal is noteworthy. Lib Wright has in fact a story of her own, a layered character, furthermore enriching the movie. In fact, the entire cast is magnificent, among them are the veterans Ciarán Hines and Toby Jones who so well give life to their characters in this context.
The screenplay flows, and grips one from the early minutes of the film. So, here we have a movie that counts on a good writing, performances and cinematography. Although understated, it is not to be underestimated.
Our Opinion
We recommend this movie. It is well written, and will grab your attention in its suspenseful build-up. Florence Pugh is ideal in the role as the stoic nurse. There are no cutting corners.
Release Date
November 15, 2022
Where to Watch The Wonder
The Star
Direction
Sebastián Lelio
Cast
 Florence Pugh / Lib Wright |  Tom Burke / William Byrne |  Niamh Algar / Kitty |
 Elaine Cassidy / Rosaleen O’Donnell |  Toby Jones / Dr. McBrearty |  Ciarán Hinds |
 Dermot Crowley |  Brían F. O’Byrne / John Flynn | Kíla Lord Cassidy / Anna O’Donnell Caolan Byrne / Malachy O’Donnell |
See full credits >>
Visitor Rating: 3 Stars
Visitor Rating: 3 Stars