A Peek into the Psychological Thriller "The Wonder"
Actress Florence Pugh faces turbulence and limitations in 'The Wonder'
Stepping into the shoes of a mystifying period drama, The Wonder proves to be a captivating watch, thanks to Florence Pugh's mesmerizing portrayal of a determined English nurse.
Set in a remote Irish village in 1862, Pugh plays Elizabeth "Lib" Wright, a steadfast woman on a mission to unravel the truth behind a young fasting girl, Anna O'Donnell. Claiming to have lived without food for four months, Anna's mysterious condition is attributed to "manna from heaven" while the villagers view her as a divine miracle.
Accompanied by a local nun, Lib is assigned to monitor Anna for two weeks, reporting her findings to a committee of local men afterward. As Anna's extraordinary claims gain traction and fame, Lib finds herself on a quest to separate truth from fiction. However, her efforts are met with opposition from the tightly-knit religious community.
"It's a conversation and a conflict about science versus religion – something we're dealing with now, something that…it's a tale literally as old as time," Pugh explained at the London Film Festival premiere. "We have a strong, stubborn woman who knows she is right in certain aspects, but unable to talk her truth…For me, it was more about biting my own tongue and all the films I love doing are me going in guns blazing, but I couldn't in this one because ultimately at that time it wouldn't happen."
Amidst this intricate web of mystery, Lib's personal struggles, such as her reliance on laudanum and self-harm, add depth to the narrative, bolstering the film's psychological thriller aspect.
Based on Emma Donoghue's novel of the same name, The Wonder introduces audiences to the film set behind-the-scenes, narrated by a voice-over that encourages spectators to believe in the story. According to director Sebastian Lelio, the framing sets the stage for a discussion on the power of fiction – a central theme of the film.
"It's just a little framing so people can be aware that they are being exposed to the power of fiction, which is exactly what the film is about – the stories the characters are trapped in, or the stories they choose so they can reach new levels of freedom," Lelio said.
Pugh's grandmother Pat, who joined her for the Don't Worry Darling world premiere in Venice last month, accompanied her once more at the London premiere. "She's literally living this sparkly dream," Pugh shared. "She didn't get to do this before, and she loves it. I mean, she was on the sidelines, like, let me come!"
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In the captivating world of movies-and-tv, "The Wonder" stands out as an engrossing period drama that delves into the realm of entertainment. Florence Pugh's stellar performance adds a distinct layer of psychological thrill to this narrative, making it an intriguing choice for viewers seeking a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
