Written by Nynoska Vazquez-Suazo
After the highly-anticipated, Don’t Worry Darling, there is no denying the talent and power Florence Pugh holds as she continues to amaze in her newest Netflix film, The Wonder.
The Wonder is a story about an English nurse, Elizabeth Wright (Florence Pugh), who travels to Ireland to watch over Anna O’Donnell (Kila Lord Cassidy). Anna is an 11-year-old girl who has mysteriously survived for 4 months without eating. Mrs.Wright and Sister Michael (Josie Walker) are hired by a town committee to watch Anna for a period of 2 weeks, during which they are to observe how Anna survives.
The film opens with a shot that pans over an actual film set. A voice, which is later revealed to be of Niamh Algar who plays Kitty, introduces the film, reminds the audience of the importance of stories, and urges them to keep an open mind to the particular story that is about to be told. This makes for a rather interesting and mysterious setup.
The use of sound is the key to the film’s alluring ambiance. The amplification of the weather sounds emphasizes the fact that the O’Donnells live isolated from the rest of the town. Similarly, at moments when the scene is focused on Anna and her eyes, a haunting whistle-like sound is faded in the background. During Elizabeth’s moments alone as she prepares for bed, the grimacing noises achieve a chilling sensation. These moments strike fear–not in the traditional horror movie sense–but in the sense that you have no idea what’s going on or why. The images of Elizabeth drifting into unconsciousness and the focus on her blood are even more so. Some sounds are similar to that of a ticking clock and ringing bells, almost as if time is ticking for Anna’s life, or for her brother’s.
Religion is the central element in The Wonder. Anna is seen reciting the same prayer almost every time she is on screen. She also claims she doesn’t need food as she survives on manna from heaven. Two of the men in the committee are strong believers. As the film continues, religion is shown throughout the O’Donnell household in both its physical form and its inhabitants. Elizabeth grows more and more concerned for the child’s health, but is told to just observe, as she doesn’t believe in their faith and their “stories” and furthermore could not understand their way of living.
There are a few pieces of symbolism and irony within the film as well. Food is one of them. Ironic because Anna doesn’t eat, but Elizabeth does. Every time Elizabeth is seen eating, she’s eating with passion and a massive plate, almost as if she’s eating for her and Anna. Another symbol is Elizabeth’s knitted baby booties. When *spoiler* Elizabeth burns down the O’Donnell’s house, she also places the booties at the closest point of the fire, almost as a new beginning for not only Anna but for her to have a child.
One flaw within The Wonder is the rashness with which some important plot points are revealed and how quickly they are pushed to the side. After Elizabeth and journalist William Byrne (Tom Burke) have sex, the dark truth of her past is revealed rather casually in conversation, and not brought up again. Similarly, her relationship with William is not developed after the initial interaction, but rather remains a good friendship rather than romantic. Furthermore, it leaves lots of plot points unanswered. What is the importance of Elizabeth pricking her finger and taking a tonic every night? Why introduce a romantic relationship and not develop it?
The Wonder is not a film for the impatient, as it is a very slow-burning and makes you really think and analyze what is happening on the screen. Similarly, because religion is the film’s leading thread, it can be a trigger for many. That said, this film is one of maturity. The relationship that blooms between Anna and Elizabeth is one of trust. Florence Pugh’s work once again proves how she is currently Hollywood’s leading lady, another award worthy performance.
