This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s The WonderNetflix’s newpsychological period dramais intense and has viewers feeling quite uncomfortable throughout the whole film.The Wonderis based on Emma Donoghue’s novel of the same name and reflects on a time when there was a conflict between science and faith. While the story itself is not based on one real incident, it was influenced by the “fasting girls” of the Victorian era. While the focus of the film may be this particular phenomenon, there are several underlying themes that the viewers might have missed. If analyzed closely,The Wonderhas so much more to say than just the historical event of “fasting girls”. The film reminds the viewer of the darker themes that lead to such extreme decisions being taken by humans.
The Power of Storytelling
Generally, a period drama opens with a mise-en-scene of the period itself. However,The Wondertakes a completely different approach as theopening visualof the filmis a modern-day film studio with a half-built structure of what seems to be a house. The unnamed and unseen narrator reminds the viewer that this is just a film with characters while urging the viewer to “believe” in the stories. While this opening scene can be easily dismissed as a mere innovative approach taken by the filmmakers, there might be a more powerful message within it. The idea of “we are nothing without our stories”, which is mentioned in this opening scene, turns out to be the underlying structure of the whole film.
When questioned why the young Anna (Kíla Lord Cassidy) is fasting and refusing food, it is obviously because of the stories fed to her by her mother. The story of how she is the “chosen one” and she has to fast to save her brother from “hell” and her own self become the reasons that create her own story as thegirl who is a “wonder” or a “miracle”. However, her story changes when the protagonist, Mrs. Wright (Florence Pugh), feeds her another story of a girl who is reborn as Nan.This in itself shows how powerful the storieswe are told are. One’s belief in these stories determines and recreates one’s own story.
The film itself is a powerful story that goes on to have an impact on the viewer. With the narrator being revealed as Kitty O’Donnel (Niamh Algar), the film taps into reality and ends up reminding the viewer that all this time the film was a story being fed to the viewer. Its power lies within how real the story was made to be and how much the viewer believes it. Obviously, the fact thatThe Wonderurges the viewer to read up on the “fasting girls” shows the power of storytelling and the impact it has on society.
Related:The Wonder: Science vs Religion and the Real Story of the Fasting Girls
Sexual Assault and Grooming
One specific incident that might have struck the audience is Anna’s revealing of why she is fasting and her odd relationship with her late brother. While the film nor Anna directly state thatshe was sexually assaultedby her brother when she was nine years old, she mentions how she was yet again fed thestory of a “double love”, in turn, hinting at how she was groomed by her brother since she was nine years old. What is even more heartbreaking is Anna’s inability to understand how she is not at any fault. She goes on to state that her brother’s death is her fault.
Anna’s story brings forth the issue of young girls being sexually assaulted and then being groomed by their assaulters. When looked at closely, the viewer is able to see the pain behind this young girl. This ties into the large issue of sexual assault and grooming, in turn, tapping into a very real global issue. Even ifThe Wondermight be based on a specific period, the theme of sexual assault allows it to be a more relevant film than one might imagine.
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Religious Extremism
While religious faith might play a prominent rolein people’s lives,The Wonderillustrates what happens when it is taken to an extreme level. The repetitive Bible verses and Anna’s obsession with her faith make it easy for her parents and the religious community to abuse and manipulate her. The whole idea of fasting is based on her religious faith. This shows the extremes one is willing to take to accept and obey the illusions created. The way in which the self-appointed community is focusing on proving this religious miracle, even while there is clear evidence that Anna is dying, can be seen as an instance where religion overpowers reality, in turn, harming those who become its devotees. Perhaps, it can be said thatThe Wonderattempts to illustrate the importance of maintaining balance when following one’s faith.
Grief and Loss
Each individual has their own way ofgrieving and tolerating loss. For Anna, unfortunately, it’s fasting and giving up her own self. This can be a nod toward self-harm. The repetitive incident where Mrs. Wright is seen drinking some form of opium to dose off and pricking her finger with a pin can also be seen as another form of self-harm. This might be a reflection of the pain and the dark side of grievances. Yet again,The Wonderreminds the viewer of the importance of keeping track of one’s self, following a loss. While people may find different ways to grieve, self-harm and opium suggest the need for professional assistance. Fortunately, at the end ofThe Wonder, Anna and Mrs. Wright become each other’s saviors.
