Wanda Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman ditches her family to become an accessory to a world-class jerk’s terrible crimes, proving that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to help someone else fail miserably.

🍿 Wanda: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Wanda’s Disconnected Life

Wanda Goronski, a disaffected woman living in rural Pennsylvania, is shown to be drifting through life without much purpose. She lives with her sister’s family and is late for a court hearing regarding her divorce. She passively agrees to relinquish custody of her children to her husband, indicating a lack of engagement with her responsibilities.

Meeting Mr. Dennis

After losing her job, Wanda continues her aimless wandering. She meets a series of men, leading to fleeting encounters. Eventually, she stumbles into a bar where Norman Dennis is in the process of robbing it. She becomes entangled with Dennis, a petty criminal, and begins an unlikely partnership, joining him on the run.

A Toxic Relationship

As Wanda travels with Mr. Dennis, she endures his abusive behavior and erratic plans. Their relationship is characterized by his dominance and her submissive acceptance. Dennis, despite his harshness, shows fleeting moments of vulnerability, like when visiting his father. This complex dynamic highlights Wanda’s search for connection, even within a harmful environment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wanda (Barbara Loden): A passive and aimless housewife who abandons her family and drifts through life, becoming entangled with a petty thief.
• Mr. Dennis (Michael Higgins): A petty thief and abusive man who takes Wanda in and involves her in his criminal activities.
• Husband (Jerome Thier): Wanda’s exasperated husband who seeks a divorce and custody of their children due to her neglect.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Wanda: “It doesn’t matter.” – When asked by the judge if she agrees to the divorce, Wanda responds apathetically, highlighting her lack of agency.
• Norman Dennis: “If you don’t want anything you won’t have anything, and if you don’t have anything, you’re as good as dead.” – Mr. Dennis expresses his cynical worldview to Wanda, encapsulating the bleak outlook of the characters.
• Wanda: “I’m just no good.” – Wanda explains her reasons for abandoning her family, revealing her deep-seated feelings of worthlessness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $115,000
• Domestic Gross: $51,713
• Worldwide Gross: $108,692

💥 Wanda Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by Wanda. Barbara Loden’s raw and honest portrayal of a woman struggling to find her place in a bleak world is haunting. There is one scene where she’s standing in the mall staring at the mannequins, it hit me hard as it symbolized Wanda’s feeling of worthlessness. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a powerful one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent and art house cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those seeking films that explore themes of isolation and social issues”
  • “Viewers interested in films directed by women”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Abusive behavior”
  • “Brief depiction of attempted sexual assault”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing due to the characters’ difficult circumstances”
  • “Gun Violence”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Loden’s film is a stark, unflinching look at a woman adrift in a society that offers her little opportunity. The gritty realism and authentic performances make it a compelling, if difficult, watch.
• IMDb: “A grim and protracted look at an aimless layabout. Barbara Loden’s performance is virtuoso in its realism. There’s not a single moment in the film that doesn’t feel natural, like a heartbreaking bit of documentary film-making
• AllMovie: “A unique account of one woman’s inner turmoil, and her unusual quest to try and resolve it. If you like ground-breaking films that center around complex, female characters, then you’re sure to like Wanda.

Audience Reactions

The film’s stark realism and grittiness resonated deeply with viewers.: Audiences consistently praise Barbara Loden’s authentic portrayal of Wanda’s struggles and the film’s unflinching look at poverty and marginalization.

Many found the film’s ending to be both haunting and thought-provoking.: Viewers agree that the film leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection on societal issues and the human condition.

Overall Consensus: Wanda is a powerful and thought-provoking film celebrated for its realism, raw performances, and unflinching portrayal of a woman’s struggle in a bleak environment.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Best Foreign Film)- 1970

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Barbara Loden wrote, directed, and starred in ‘Wanda,’ making it a rare achievement for a woman in the male-dominated film industry of the 1970s.”
• “The film was shot on a very low budget of $115,000, contributing to its gritty, realistic aesthetic.”
• “The film’s visual style aimed for a cinema verité feel, enhancing the sense of realism and desperation.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wanda?

Currently, ‘Wanda’ is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for potential streaming options, as availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wanda, you might like these similar films:

• Five Easy Pieces (1970): Explores themes of alienation and disillusionment with a focus on aimless characters drifting through life.
• A Woman Under the Influence (1974): Features a raw and unflinching look at a woman struggling with mental health and societal expectations.
• Smithereens (1982): Portrays a young woman drifting through the punk scene of New York City, echoing Wanda’s aimlessness and search for meaning.

🛒 Wanda Related Products

• Wanda (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of ‘Wanda’ from The Criterion Collection, with insightful essays and bonus features. The Criterion Collection version offers the best possible viewing experience and historical context.
• Barbara Loden: A Life and Films: A biography or documentary exploring the life and work of Barbara Loden. Get insight into her creative process and the challenges she faced as a female filmmaker in a male-dominated industry.
• Wanda Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the original Wanda movie poster. This poster is a great addition to any film lover’s collection and a stylish way to show your appreciation for this independent film.
• The Criterion Channel Subscription: Access to a curated collection of classic and contemporary films, including Wanda, as well as interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes content. Stream Wanda and other essential cinema from around the world.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wanda features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “No Original Score” – performed by N/A

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wanda’s Drastic Change In Doctor Strange 2 Explained

Ever wondered why Wanda made such a drastic turn in Doctor Strange 2? This video breaks down her journey and motivations, and honestly, it’s kind of heartbreaking when you see how much she’s been through. Definitely worth a watch to understand her actions!

How (Not) to Turn a Hero Into a Mass Murderer | Wanda Maximoff Character Analysis

Feeling a bit confused about Wanda’s villain arc? This video offers a critical analysis of her character development, questioning whether her heel-turn was well-executed. I personally agree with their points – it felt a bit rushed, didn’t it?

MCU’s Failure to hold Scarlet Witch Accountable

Did the MCU drop the ball when it came to holding Wanda accountable for her actions in WandaVision and beyond? This video raises some interesting points about responsibility and female characters in the MCU, it certainly gives a lot to think about!

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