Directed by
Sebastián Lelio
Made by
Netflix
In 1862, Elizabeth “Lib” Wright (Florence Pugh), an English nurse with experience from the Crimean War, finds herself in a remote Irish village. Her mission is to observe Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), a girl whose family claims she has not eaten for the past four months. Lib takes residence at a local tavern run by Sean (David Wilmot) and Maggie Ryan (Ruth Bradley). A committee comprising figures like John Flynn (Brían F. O’Byrne), local doctor Dr McBrearty (Toby Jones), and Sir Otway (Dermot Crowley) has given Lib a two-week period to observe and report her findings on Anna’s miraculous fasting.
Lib is instructed that Anna must not be forcibly fed, nor can her family refuse her food if she requests it. Accompanied by Sister Michael (Josie Walker), both women are expected to submit their independent reports to the local dignitaries. The shadow of the Great Famine still haunts the community, with locals harboring distrust towards the English nurse due to historical grievances.
As Lib immerses herself in Anna’s life, she meets the girl’s deeply devout family, including her mother Rosaleen (Elaine Cassidy), father Malachy, and sister Kitty (Niamh Algar). During a dinner gathering, Lib learns about the tragic death of Anna’s elder brother from an undiagnosed ailment. Conversely, Anna presents herself in good health, claiming that she survives solely on “manna from Heaven.” When Lib suggests transferring Anna to the hospital for care, Rosaleen firmly declines.
Still grappling with the pain of losing her only child, Lib relies on laudanum to find solace as she navigates her grief. Her relationship with William Byrne (Tom Burke), a local journalist whose family suffered during the famine, evolves into something more intimate. William, skeptical of Anna’s fasting, believes it’s a ruse and writes for the Daily Telegraph. Throughout her observations, Lib sees no signs of deception initially, as Anna is frequently engaged in prayer, fervently discussing the fate of the damned.
As Lib meticulously observes, she notices Rosaleen kissing Anna goodnight, a gesture that raises her suspicions. She theorizes that chewed food is stealthily passed to Anna, prompting her to disallow any physical contact from the family. William warns Lib that her actions may jeopardize Anna’s life; if the family confesses to feeding her, they’ll face severe repercussions.
Anna, when confronted, indicates that her “manna” is a divine provision and reveals the true reason behind her fast: the torment inflicted upon her by her deceased brother, which she believes led to his death. She has convinced herself that enduring this sacrifice could liberate him from eternal damnation. Separated from her family’s nurturing touch, Anna’s health deteriorates sharply.
Desperate to save Anna, Lib implores Dr McBrearty to end the observation and compel Anna to eat. He suggests that perhaps Anna has developed an extraordinary ability to convert sunlight into sustenance. Meanwhile, William’s reporting places blame on Anna’s family and the community for her plight.
Lib brings her findings to the council, asserting that Anna is being covertly fed, but they refuse to accept this evidence. Sister Michael contradicts Lib, claiming she observed no signs of Rosaleen’s interference. When the council questions Anna, she stands firm in her belief that she is solely sustained by “manna from Heaven.” Knowing that without intervention, Anna will likely perish, Lib pleads with the family to take action or at least for Rosaleen to restore the kisses that Anna so desperately needs. However, Rosaleen remains steadfast in her belief that Anna’s sacred death will grant her children a place in heaven.
Desperate, Lib persuades William to aid her in a plan to save Anna. While Anna’s family attends mass, Lib secretly relocates Anna, now gravely weak, to a sacred Clootie well. She assures Anna that even if “Anna” perishes, she will be reborn as “Nan.” A moment of stillness ensues as Anna appears to slip away, only to awaken revitalized enough for Lib to feed her.
In a dramatic turn, Lib returns to the O’Donnell home alone and sets it ablaze, ensuring her laudanum bottle is also destroyed. She later informs the council that Anna succumbed to natural causes and the fire was merely an accident. The committee reacts with dismay, realizing they’ve lost a potential saint. Fearing for their own culpability and lacking a body to serve as evidence, they terminate Lib’s employment without compensation.
After the incident, Sister Michael, who left mass early, shares that she glimpsed a vision of Anna riding away with an angel. She implores Lib to affirm that Anna has indeed ascended to a better realm.
Eventually, in Dublin, Lib reconnects with William and the newly revived Anna, who has now taken on the name “Nan.” The trio adopts the façade of the Cheshire family as they set sail for Sydney, embarking on a new chapter of their lives.
Arrival in Ireland
In 1862, Elizabeth 'Lib' Wright, an experienced English nurse, arrives in a remote Irish village. Her mission is to observe a young girl named Anna O'Donnell, who allegedly has not eaten for four months.
Initial Investigation
Lib takes residence at a local tavern run by Sean and Maggie Ryan. A committee consisting of local dignitaries provides her with a two-week timeframe to observe Anna and report her findings on the miraculous fasting.
Local Sentiment
As Lib begins her observations, she encounters the suspicions and historical grievances of the local community. The shadow of the Great Famine lingers in the air, making her presence as an English nurse contentious.
Meeting Anna's Family
Lib meets Anna's devout family, including her mother Rosaleen, father Malachy, and sister Kitty. During a dinner gathering, she learns about the tragic death of Anna’s elder brother from an undiagnosed illness.
Lib's Growing Concerns
Despite claiming to survive on 'manna from Heaven,' Lib grows concerned for Anna's health and suggests a transfer to the hospital. The family, particularly Rosaleen, staunchly refuses this idea.
Grief and Growing Bonds
Amid her observations, Lib deals with personal grief, relying on laudanum for comfort. She develops a close bond with William Byrne, a local journalist who doubts Anna's claims and seeks to uncover the truth.
Suspicion of Deception
As Lib monitors Anna closely, she begins to suspect that Anna’s family is secretly providing her with food. This leads Lib to restrict any physical contact between Anna and her family during her observation period.
Anna’s Revelation
Upon confronting Anna about her fasting, Anna reveals that she believes her suffering could liberate her deceased brother from torment. This new insight highlights her emotional struggles and deteriorating health.
Call to Action
Lib grows alarmed as Anna’s health declines, urging Dr. McBrearty to help end the observation and enforce feeding Anna. He suggests that Anna might have a peculiar ability to derive sustenance from sunlight.
Presenting Evidence
Lib presents her findings to the council, asserting that Anna is being covertly fed, but her claims are dismissed. Sister Michael contradicts her, supporting Anna's stance that her sustenance comes directly from divine intervention.
Desperate Measures
Determined to save Anna, Lib connects with William to execute a plan. While Anna's family is at mass, Lib moves Anna to a sacred Clootie well in an attempt to revitalize her.
A Dramatic Shift
While at the well, Anna appears to slip away entirely, but upon Lib's encouragement, she revives enough to eat. This moment signifies a potential turning point in Anna's miraculous fasting.
Destruction of Evidence
In a desperate bid to cover her actions and protect Anna, Lib sets fire to the O'Donnell home, ensuring all evidence, including her laudanum, is destroyed. She later claims Anna died of natural causes.
Aftermath of the Fire
The committee is left in shock, realizing they have lost a potential saint. They terminate Lib’s employment to distance themselves from the fallout and lack of physical evidence.
New Beginnings
Eventually, Lib reconnects with William and the revived Anna, who has taken on the name 'Nan.' Together, they adopt the identity of the Cheshire family and set sail for Sydney, marking a fresh start.
Lib Wright
Lib is a dedicated nurse deeply influenced by her past experiences during the Crimean War. As she navigates the complexities of her mission, her compassion and determination shine through, though she faces inner turmoil stemming from personal loss. Lib embodies resilience, often torn between her professional duties and emotional struggles.
Anna O'Donnell
Anna is a seemingly innocent girl whose claim of fasting poses a profound mystery. Her devout nature and connection to her deceased brother drive her to believe in her own divine provision. As her health deteriorates, her struggles illuminate the psychological impacts of loss and the burdens of expectation placed upon her by both family and community.
William Byrne
William is a local journalist who embodies skepticism towards the claims around Anna's fasting. His relationship with Lib develops into a romantic bond, indicating a shared understanding of loss and suffering. Driven by a desire for truth, his character highlights the tension between objective reporting and emotional involvement.
Time period
1862
The year 1862 was a period marked by the aftermath of the Great Famine in Ireland, which left deep scars in the social fabric and trust among communities. This time witnessed widespread distrust towards English authorities and an ongoing quest for identity, survival, and sustenance among the Irish populace. The era also saw challenges in treating mental and physical health issues, often misunderstood in traditional settings.
Location
Irish village, Dublin, Sydney
The movie is primarily set in a remote Irish village, known for its tight-knit community and history marred by famine. Dublin serves as a bustling city where characters reconnect, representing hope and revival. Finally, Sydney symbolizes a new beginning and the promise of a better life, marking the characters' journey towards healing and regeneration.
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Faith & Sacrifice
The film explores deep themes of faith and the often perilous nature of sacrifice through Anna's fasting, believed to be a divine act. Lib's struggle to reconcile her professional duties with her moral beliefs highlights the complexities of faith, particularly in dire circumstances. The juxtaposition of Anna's divine hunger against Lib's earthly needs portrays the challenge of balancing spiritual ideals with human care.
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Grief & Loss
Grief looms large in 'The Wonder,' particularly for Lib, who grapples with the loss of her own child. This backdrop serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional weight carried by characters who share past traumas. The weight of loss also influences decisions, such as Anna's desire to fast as a means of atonement for her brother’s death, underscoring the intricate ties between love and sorrow.
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Community Judgment
The theme of community judgment resonates throughout the film, as the local council and townsfolk grapple with their beliefs around Anna's condition. Their skepticism towards Lib's expertise reflects the historical grievances towards English presence in Ireland. This collective judgment shapes the narrative, illustrating how societal norms can dictate individual actions and moral dilemmas.
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