“The Wonder” ends with a daring rescue and a challenging twist. Nurse Lib saves Anna by giving her a new identity, and the film breaks the fourth wall to remind viewers of its fictional nature.
“The Wonder”, directed by Sebastián Lelio, is a gripping psychological drama. It stars Florence Pugh and investigates themes of faith, science, and storytelling. The film’s ending is both dramatic and reflective, leaving audiences with much to ponder.
Plot Summary
Set in 1862 Ireland, “The Wonder” follows Nurse Lib Wright, played by Florence Pugh. She is sent to a rural village to observe Anna O’Donnell, an 11-year-old girl who claims to survive without food. Anna’s family and the local Catholic Church believe she is a miracle, living on “manna from heaven”. Lib, a firm believer in science, is skeptical and determined to uncover the truth.
As Lib isolates Anna from her family, she discovers a disturbing secret. Anna’s mother has been secretly feeding her by passing chewed food through kisses. Anna’s fasting is a form of penance, as she believes it will save her deceased brother’s soul from Hell. This brother had sexually abused her, adding a dark layer to the story (Town and Country).
The Fourth Wall and Modern Framing
“The Wonder” uses a unique narrative technique by breaking the fourth wall. The film opens with a shot of a large warehouse set filled with film equipment. This reminds the audience that they are watching a constructed story. This framing device is revisited at the end, where the film set is revealed again. The narrator, Kitty O’Donnell, dressed in modern clothing, addresses the audience directly (Screen Rant).
This technique serves multiple purposes. It emphasizes the film’s exploration of the power of storytelling and belief. By reminding viewers of the fictional nature of the story, the film invites them to reflect on the narratives they choose to believe. It also creates a meta-narrative that questions the boundaries between fiction and reality. This urges the audience to consider the implications of faith, science, and the stories we tell ourselves (Town and Country).
Lib’s Plan to Save Anna
As the film progresses, Lib becomes desperate to save Anna from her self-imposed starvation. After discovering the truth about Anna’s mother’s actions and the reasons behind Anna’s fasting, Lib devises a plan to rescue her. During a Mass attended by Anna’s family, Lib kidnaps Anna. She convinces Anna to let “Anna” die and be reborn as “Nan”, a new identity free from the burdens of her past.
Lib hides Anna near a stream and returns to the house, setting it on fire to cover their tracks. She tells the priests that Anna died in the fire. A nun later hints that she knows the truth but will keep Lib’s secret (Decider).
Themes of Faith, Science, and Storytelling
“The Wonder” is deeply rooted in the tension between faith and science, as well as the power of storytelling. Lib represents the rational, scientific perspective, while Anna’s family embodies religious fanaticism. The film’s narrative challenges the audience to consider their own beliefs and the stories they choose to accept.
The fourth-wall breaks and the modern framing device further underscore this theme. They ask viewers to reflect on the nature of belief and the impact of stories on their lives (CNET).
Critical Reception
“The Wonder” has received praise for its ambitious narrative structure and the performances of its cast, particularly Florence Pugh. Critics have highlighted the film’s ability to balance realism and melodrama, creating a compelling and unsettling atmosphere. The score by Matthew Herbert and the cinematography by Ari Wegner have also been commended for enhancing the film’s eerie and challenging tone (Roger Ebert).
However, some critics have noted that the film’s unconventional narrative techniques may be polarizing for viewers. The fourth-wall breaks and the modern framing device, while innovative, can be seen as distancing the audience from the emotional core of the story. Despite this, “The Wonder” has been lauded for its exploration of intricate themes and its ability to provoke deep reflection on the nature of belief and storytelling (Collider).
Conclusion
“The Wonder” challenges its audience to engage with its narrative on multiple levels. Through its innovative use of the fourth wall and modern framing device, it explores the power of storytelling and the tension between faith and science. The film’s ending, with Lib’s daring plan to save Anna and the final reminder of the story’s fictional nature, leaves viewers with much to ponder about the stories they choose to believe and the impact of those stories on their lives. As a challenging and visually striking film, “The Wonder” stands out as a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.
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