The Wonder Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Nurse babysits a fasting child in 1800s Ireland and ends up faking her death to escape religious zealots, because that’s a perfectly reasonable solution.

🍿 The Wonder: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Ireland and The Watch Begins

In 1862, English nurse Lib Wright arrives in a rural Irish village. She’s been hired to observe Anna O’Donnell, an 11-year-old girl who has reportedly survived without food for four months. A committee, including local doctor McBrearty and John Flynn, tasks her with this watch. Lib will be assisted by Sister Michael, a nun, and they must independently report their findings.

Discovering the ‘Manna from Heaven’

Lib meets Anna’s religious family, learning about the recent death of Anna’s brother. Anna claims to be sustained by ‘manna from Heaven’. Lib, haunted by the loss of her own child and battling her morphine addiction, observes Anna closely. A local journalist, William Byrne, reports on the story, suspecting a hoax. He and Lib become romantically involved.

Unveiling the Truth

Lib notices Anna’s mother kissing her goodnight, deducing that she’s covertly feeding Anna pre-chewed food. Lib forbids this contact, but Anna’s condition worsens. Anna reveals that she believes sacrificing herself will save her deceased brother’s soul, as he sexually assaulted her, and she sees his death as divine punishment. Lib’s efforts to convince the council and family of the danger are met with resistance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lib Wright (Florence Pugh): A skeptical English nurse hired to observe Anna, challenging religious beliefs and battling her own trauma.
• Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy): An eleven-year-old girl who believes she is surviving on ‘manna from Heaven’, caught in a web of religious fervor and family trauma.
• Will Byrne (Tom Burke): A local journalist who is reporting on Anna’s case and becomes romantically involved with Lib, questioning the narratives around him.
• Rosaleen O’Donnell (Elaine Cassidy): Anna’s deeply religious mother who covertly feeds her daughter and believes in Anna’s divine purpose.
• Kitty O’Donnell (Niamh Algar): Anna’s older sister, who is initially supportive of the family’s beliefs, but gradually starts to question them and learn to read.
• Father Thaddeus (Ciarán Hinds): The religious authority who is adamant that Anna is a miracle

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lib Wright: “That’s a story, Kitty. I’m looking for facts.” – Lib emphasizes her scientific approach and skepticism towards the stories surrounding Anna’s supposed miracle.
• Anna O’Donnell: “I am well. Sustained by manna from Heaven.” – Anna’s unwavering faith and belief in divine sustenance is a central mystery in the film.
• Will Byrne: “You don’t believe everything you’re told, do you?” – Will’s cynicism as a journalist influences Lib to question the narrative.
• Lib Wright: “Love requires some action.” – Lib explains her actions to Kitty, highlighting the importance of active intervention rather than passive faith.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Wonder Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie. The atmosphere of 1860s Ireland was so well done, and Florence Pugh was incredible! The way she conveyed Lib’s internal struggle between logic and compassion was amazing. The scene where she confronts Anna’s mother was so intense. It’s a movie that really makes you think about the power of belief and the lengths people will go to for it. I loved it! The slow burn and quiet intensity really worked for me. It wasn’t a movie for those who need constant action, but it was so worth the watch if you like to be drawn in and think about what you have watched.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of faith vs. science”
  • “Those who appreciate Florence Pugh’s performances”
  • “Audiences who enjoy slow-burn mysteries”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Religious themes and undertones”
  • “Implied child abuse”
  • “Starvation”
  • “Grief”
  • “Morphine addiction”

Professional Reviews

• The Irish Times: “Lelio’s direction is masterful, creating a palpable sense of unease and mystery. Pugh delivers a compelling performance as the skeptical nurse, and the film’s exploration of faith versus reason is thought-provoking, making it a standout historical drama.
• Variety: “Florence Pugh shines in this atmospheric thriller. The Wonder is a slow burn, but the captivating performances and stunning cinematography make it a worthwhile watch, offering a nuanced look at religious fervor and personal trauma.
• The Guardian: “While visually striking and featuring strong performances, The Wonder suffers from a predictable plot and heavy-handed symbolism. It’s a beautifully crafted film that ultimately lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate.

Audience Reactions

Florence Pugh’s acting was phenomenal!: Viewers praised the stellar performances, especially from Florence Pugh and Kíla Lord Cassidy, as well as the movie’s thought-provoking themes.

The film was slow, but kept me engaged throughout.: Many appreciated the slow-burn pacing, finding it atmospheric and adding to the film’s overall suspense.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking drama with excellent performances, though some found the pacing slow and the ending somewhat unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Elaine Cassidy, who plays Rosaleen O’Donnell, is the real-life mother of Kíla Lord Cassidy, who plays Anna O’Donnell, adding a layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship.”
• “The film opens and closes with a scene that breaks the fourth wall, revealing the movie set, which is a deliberate choice to remind the audience that they are watching a story and to consider the power of narratives.”
• “The score by Matthew Herbert blends traditional Irish sounds with modern electronic elements, creating an unsettling and unique atmosphere that reflects the tension between faith and reason.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Wonder?

The Wonder is currently streaming on Netflix. While there are no confirmed options for renting or purchasing the film digitally as of this writing, it’s advisable to check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for future availability. Physical copies (DVDs, Blu-rays) may also become available through retailers like Amazon and major department stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Wonder, you might like these similar films:

• The Witch (2015): Explores themes of religious fanaticism, superstition, and the potential for evil within isolated communities, mirroring the oppressive atmosphere of ‘The Wonder’.
• Doubt (2008): Focuses on the clash between faith and skepticism within a religious institution, exploring the power of belief and the consequences of doubt, similar to the central conflict in ‘The Wonder’.
• Room (2015): Also based on a novel by Emma Donoghue, this film shares a focus on a child in confinement and the psychological impact of trauma and isolation, resonating with Anna’s situation in ‘The Wonder’.
• Black Narcissus (1947): Explores the psychological impact of isolation and religious fervor on a group of nuns in a remote location, creating a similarly intense and claustrophobic atmosphere.
• Ida (2013): Focuses on a young novice nun in 1960s Poland as she uncovers dark family secrets. The movie shares a similar tone with ‘The Wonder’ and also tackles themes of faith, trauma, and identity.

🛒 The Wonder Related Products

• The Wonder by Emma Donoghue (Paperback): The original novel that inspired the movie, delve deeper into the characters and explore the story in more detail. A compelling read for fans of historical fiction and psychological drama.
• Florence Pugh Movie Poster Collection: Showcase your love for Florence Pugh with a collection of posters featuring her iconic roles. High-quality prints perfect for any movie enthusiast’s room.
• 19th Century Irish Village Building Set: Create your own diorama of the remote Irish village from The Wonder. Recreate iconic scenes and add historical authenticity to your collection
• Celtic Knot Necklace: A beautiful Celtic knot necklace, a symbol of Ireland’s rich heritage and a nod to the film’s setting. Wear a piece of Irish culture and show your appreciation for The Wonder.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Céad míle fáilte romhat” – performed by Niamh Algar, Caolan Byrne, Elaine Cassidy, Kíla Lord Cassidy
• “Main Titles” – performed by Matthew Herbert
• “The Watch” – performed by Matthew Herbert

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wonder – Book Summary

Ever wonder what the book ‘Wonder’ is *really* about? This video breaks down all the key plot points and characters – perfect if you want a quick recap or just wanna understand the story better before watching the movie. Honestly, knowing the backstory makes the movie way more impactful!

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