Fans of Call the Midwife looking for a new period drama on Netflix need look no further than The Wonder. This psychological drama, set in the aftermath of the Great Famine, stars Florence Pugh and tells a haunting and disturbing story of a young girl in rural Ireland.
A Sinister Twist on Period Drama
While the film boasts period-appropriate costumes and dialogue, its storyline distinguishes itself from the typical romance of the genre with a sinister twist. Adapted from a 2016 novel, this 2022 film brought the disturbing tale to the screen in a manner that garnered widespread critical acclaim and five-star reviews from audiences.
Plot Overview
The Wonder is a psychological drama set in the aftermath of the Great Famine in a rural Irish village, centring on a British nurse dispatched to observe a young girl. According to her family, the child is fasting yet inexplicably surviving without consuming any food for months. The scars of the famine run deep within the community, leaving many locals guarded and unwelcoming towards the English nurse. Gradually, the dark and troubling truth behind the girl's fast is revealed, along with a secret she has concealed from her deeply devout family. She believes that through fasting, she can liberate the soul of the person who perpetrated terrible violence against her.
Critical Reception
One viewer shared their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes, writing: "The Wonder is mysterious with a disturbing story. Beautiful settings match the film's perfectly slow pace as Pugh steadily reels you in to the cultish drama. I was very pleased at how the film wrapped up."
Florence Pugh's Performance
Acclaimed British actress Florence Pugh heads the ensemble, portraying nurse Lib Wright in a widely lauded performance. Best known for her work in Little Women, Midsommar, Don't Worry Darling and Dune, the actress has established herself as a formidable screen presence in recent years, and her contribution to this film appears equally impressive. One viewer said: "I mean, it's a Florence Pugh performance; it's great no matter what. But the movie is also pretty awesome. Highly recommended."
Supporting Cast
She's supported by an exceptional cast including Tom Burke, Niamh Algar, Elaine Cassidy, Dermot Crowley and Brían F. O'Byrne. Also featured is Kíla Lord Cassidy, portraying patient Anna O'Donnell, whom the nurse must monitor closely and report on regularly.
Themes and Setting
The film explores profound religious themes and offers a window into rural Irish life during this era, which some viewers have described as disturbing. The narrative unfolds at a measured tempo, which has drawn criticism from some hoping for more dramatic momentum, with one viewer describing it as "slow going and kind of boring" while praising the acting as "exceptional".
Another enthusiastic review says: "A must see! Had amazing writing and storyline that shows real history and connects to cultures. The lead actress plays this role amazingly!"
The Wonder is streaming on Netflix now.
