The Wonder (2022)
108 min|Drama, Mystery, Thriller|16 Nov 2022
6.6Rating: 6.6 / 10 from 45,576 usersMetascore: 71
A tale of two strangers who transform each other's lives, a psychological thriller, and a story of love pitted against evil.

“The Wonder,” directed by Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Lelio, known for his Oscar-winning film “A Fantastic Woman” (2017), is a rare combination of periodic, spiritual drama, psychological trauma, and thriller elements. Starring Florence Pugh, Tom Burke, Toby Jones, and Ciaran Hinds, the film was released on Netflix on November 16, 2022. With Lelio’s golden touch and the exciting blend of themes, can this film meet our expectations?

Set in the Irish countryside in 1862, the story revolves around Elizabeth “Lib” (Pugh), a nurse sent from London to care for a unique case. Ana, a girl, refuses to eat for months, and Lib’s responsibility is to monitor her alongside a nun. Ana’s condition is considered a miracle by her family and the locals, while a local doctor attempts to find a scientific explanation for her sustained condition. Amidst this complexity, Lib endeavors to use her sanity to help Ana while confronting her own past trauma.

The film opens with an intriguing fourth-wall-breaking technique, a rare occurrence in movies, transitioning from the studio indoors to the film’s setting. The significance of this becomes apparent in a pivotal shot at the ending, altering our understanding of the narrative. Throughout the plot, the mystery surrounding Ana’s condition sparks curiosity, and the film navigates between spiritual and scientific elements, leaving us questioning what truly transpired.

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Sebastian Lelio skillfully manipulates the audience through dialogue, revealing Lib’s traumatized side amidst the dark and artistic cinematography. The plot unfolds patiently with a slow tempo, balancing the spiritual and scientific aspects in an unpredictable manner. As Lib’s trauma is unveiled, the subsequent developments become somewhat foreseeable. However, an unexpected figure in the concluding shot introduces a twist, offering a different interpretation.

While “The Wonder” boasts a unique premise, it falls short of delivering an emotionally evocative spiritual drama, despite the potential denial in the ending. The ensemble cast, especially Pugh, delivers strong performances, immersing the audience in the narrative. Nevertheless, the film proves challenging to analyze. The fourth-wall-breaking character raises questions about her identity—Is she “God” or an “angel”? Her intervention guides Lib to act spontaneously, seemingly atoning for past sins. The film prompts viewers to contemplate whether it discusses belief (faith) or logic, suggesting that perhaps wonder can encompass both.

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PENILAIAN KAMI
Overall
80 %
Artikel SebelumnyaSri Asih
Artikel BerikutnyaCici
A lifelong cinephile, he cultivated a deep interest in film from a young age. Following his architectural studies, he embarked on an independent exploration of film theory and history. His passion for cinema manifested in 2006 when he began writing articles and film reviews. This extensive experience subsequently led him to a teaching position at the esteemed Television and Film Academy in Yogyakarta. From 2003 to 2019, he enriched the minds of students by instructing them in Film History, Introduction to Film Art, and Film Theory. His scholarly pursuits extended beyond the classroom. In 2008, he published his seminal work, "Understanding Film," which delves into the core elements of film, both narrative and cinematic. The book's enduring value is evidenced by its second edition, released in 2018, which has become a cornerstone reference for film and communication academics across Indonesia. His contributions extend beyond his own authorship. He actively participated in the compilation of the Montase Film Bulletin Compilation Book Volumes 1-3 and "30 Best Selling Indonesian Films 2012-2018." Further solidifying his expertise, he authored both "Horror Film Book: From Caligari to Hereditary" (2023) and "Indonesian Horror Film: Rising from the Grave" (2023). His passion for film extends to the present day. He continues to provide insightful critiques of contemporary films on montasefilm.com, while actively participating in film production endeavors with the Montase Film Community. His own short films have garnered critical acclaim at numerous festivals, both domestically and internationally. Recognizing his exceptional talent, the 2022 Indonesian Film Festival shortlisted his writing for Best Film Criticism (Top 15). His dedication to the field continues, as he currently serves as a practitioner-lecturer for Film Criticism and Film Theory courses at the Yogyakarta Indonesian Institute of the Arts' Independent Practitioner Program.

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