The Wonder — A girl's silence becomes a test of truth

Spoiler-free review.

The film follows an English nurse investigating a young Irish girl who says she lives without eating, bringing up themes of faith and lies. Florence Pugh plays the nurse, who's supposed to watch the girl closely, but her own doubts aren't given much room to grow. The dialogue often feels like it's written for a debate rather than real conversations between people trying to understand each other.

The film uses a lot of quiet moments, which can work but also makes the emotional tension feel far away. Some scenes drag with pauses that don't always help the story move forward or reveal much about the characters. Even with its slow rhythm, the film keeps its main question about belief and truth in focus.

Florence Pugh gives a controlled performance, but the script doesn't give her much room to show different emotions. Tom Burke plays a local priest with quiet confidence, but his lines often feel more like explanations than real feelings. Niamh Algar plays the girl with restraint, which works but leaves some of her inner struggles unclear.

The film's biggest problem is that it doesn't fully choose a side in its moral question. This uncertainty might frustrate people who want a clear answer or emotional satisfaction. Still, The Wonder is a thoughtful look at doubt and the cost of being sure, even if it doesn't always deliver the tension it promises.

2022 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.

— Desly