The Wonder (2022)

Florence Pugh is English nurse "Mrs. Wright" who travels to Ireland to nurse a young girl who hasn't eaten in quite a while. Well at least that is what she thinks. Upon arrival, she discovers from the board that she and a nun (Josie Walker) are not to nurse at all, but to sit and watch what happens to this young girl "Anna" (Kíla Lord Cassidy). Is this all a fraud or is it divine intervention that is enabling this young woman to survive un-nourished but for the odd sip of water. Enter Tom Burke's rather sceptical journalist "Will", a local who moved to London but who still has more than his fair share of demons. Soon he and the nurse begin to bond, despite their initial difference of opinions about the whole thing and she knuckles down to discover just what is going on. Pugh is really effective here, delivering a characterisation that is considered and sympathetic but by no means gullible. The story is a slow burn, and to be honest I found the conclusion a little implausible and unsatisfactory but she and the young Cassidy carry this really well. The dialogue is sparing with some beautiful scenery that helps well to depict an Ireland still in the grip of anti-English sentiment and religious superstitions.

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"The Wonder takes time to transform its mysterious premise into a truly captivating narrative, but the displays of Florence Pugh and especially Kíla Lord Cassidy - one of the most impressive performances to come from a 13-year-old - bear the struggles in the least relevant moments.

As a character study, the film approaches the protagonists' distinct grieving processes in a gradually more profound manner, with some surprises along the way. Filmmaker Sebastián Lelio makes the most of the atmospheric cinematography (Ari Wegner) and the contemplative score (Matthew Herbert) to elevate the slow pacing, but not always successfully.

For fans of period pieces, see it."

Rating: B-

The Wonder is a slow burn that fails to leave a lasting impression that most films of its type achieve.

At the forefront is the battle between science vs religion. Many citizens in the town are extremely religious and desperately want this child to be a sign from God and a gift to the town. This idea works well, and the denial of facts is quite reminiscent of today's society. But unfortunately, this film treats itself as some grand masterpiece when that isn't entirely true. It is filled with small plot holes and details that simply do not makes sense. I was bought in to a point, but the ending really falls of the rails for me and left me somewhat unsatisfied.

The performances are great, and really carry this movie. Florence Pugh is spectacular, and I will go to see any film she is in. Her portrayal of emotions is top notch and her on screen connection with Kila Lord Cassidy is well done. Speaking of Cassidy, I thought she was excellent in this film. She seemed extremely experienced and able to handle the nuances of a film of this caliber. I was shocked to see that this is really her first main role in a filmography that is somewhat empty to this point. The rest of the cast did fine.

Overall, this movie worked better as concept than what was executed. The performances were great and kept me in the film, but that should not be the only thing capturing me. It is a decent watch and one of the better Netflix projects, but that is not saying much.

Score: 64% |
Verdict Decent