“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.
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.