The Enigma of Faith and Science in “The Wonder”
In the year 1862, an English nurse named Lib Wright, portrayed by Florence Pugh, journeys to the Irish countryside. A peculiar rumor has spread: an 11-year-old girl named Anna, played by Kíla Lord Cassidy, has purportedly abstained from food for months, yet remains in good health. Lib is tasked with uncovering the truth behind Anna’s fast and exposing any potential deception.
Niamh Algar as Kitty in “The Wonder”
Set thirteen years after the Great Famine, the film explores the lingering trauma and devastation that still haunt Ireland. The arrival of Lib, a well-fed Englishwoman, is met with suspicion and resentment by the locals. As Lib traverses the village in her distinctive blue dress, she grapples with the central question: is Anna truly sustained without food, or is it all a carefully constructed hoax? As a woman of science, the nurse dismisses any notion of divine intervention and clashes with the devout villagers who believe in Anna’s miraculous power. In a community still reeling from loss, Anna becomes a symbol of hope, a beacon of light in their collective darkness.
Florence Pugh as Lib Wright in “The Wonder”
The Power of Visual Storytelling
The film’s atmosphere is heightened by its visual and auditory elements. Composer Matthew Herbert’s score evokes a sense of unease and dread, while cinematographer Ari Wegner, known for her work on “The Power of the Dog,” captures the stark beauty of the Irish landscape. Florence Pugh’s solitary figure against the vast fields adds to the film’s haunting quality. While the film flirts with the supernatural, its true horror lies in the exploration of trauma and the ghosts of the past.
Florence Pugh as Lib Wright in “The Wonder”
Unveiling Hidden Tragedies
The story of Anna is inspired by the historical phenomenon of fasting girls during the Victorian era. These young girls claimed to survive without food for extended periods, sparking both fascination and skepticism. Emma Donoghue uses this premise to delve into deeper, more unsettling truths. As the mystery surrounding Anna unravels, the film shifts its focus to a more profound and disturbing secret, eliciting empathy from the audience.
While the film closely follows the plot of the book, director Sebastián Lelio adds a unique touch by breaking the fourth wall and using a voice-over to remind viewers that the characters genuinely believe in their own narratives. This choice suggests Lelio’s message: that even in the face of scientific evidence, people will cling to their own truths. Ultimately, “The Wonder” showcases the extraordinary talent of Florence Pugh, who delivers a captivating performance.