The Wonder is thoughtful. Some will find it stagnant because it emphasizes its delicate emotions over a thrilling plot. Plus, the acting is slightly one-note yet provides layers, vulnerability, physicality, and a specific dialect. It requires patience, but the drama is potent with substance. Themes explore ideological conflicts, free will, family dynamics, mental disorders, and women's suffering for men's folly. Its momentum is questionable as its tension plateaus, supporting characters are fairly flat, and the romance feels tacked on, yet The Wonder delivers strong reveals and a unifying ending. It has its drawbacks, but The Wonder also brings heavy insight and ambition.
Technically, The Wonder is diligent. Its lighting is motivated and significant. Visually, there's also relevant movement, composition, and colors. The editing is slow but adds inserts, dissolves, a powerful match fade, and an easy runtime. The symbolic sound uses split cuts, silence, stings, and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the production design is detailed, the direction eloquently breaks the fourth wall, and the effects are suggestive. Finally, the music steals the show with mystical droning, unsettling chants, and trans-diegetic ambiance. Overall, The Wonder has confident filmmaking and messages which will polarize some, but should be generally respected.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.9/10
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