Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Irish period drama has drugs, sex, distressing themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Wonder
What's the Story?
In THE WONDER, English nurse Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) heads to Ireland, in the 1860s, to study and observe the young Anna O'Donnell (Kila Lord Cassidy), who is said to have not eaten in months. Tourists visit to witness this child they believe to be a miracle from God -- but Lib is more concerned with keeping the girl alive.
Is It Any Good?
Set in 1860s Ireland, this intriguing film delves into thriller territory at times, then horror, yet remains a slow-burning, pensive period drama that exists somewhere between genre lines. The Wonder is based on a novel by Emma Donoghue, the same author who penned Room, which was also adapted into a widely praised movie. As seen in that story, Donoghue has a great ability for characterisation, in limited and somewhat intimate settings. Much of this film focuses on the two women at the core; a nurse (Pugh) and patient (Cassidy). It's a nuanced and complex situation, that has so much bubbling under the surface.
Pugh is wonderful in the leading role, bringing depth to a character with so much history. You feel Lib's past, you see the pain in her eyes. Somewhat bizarrely, the film is bookended with a breaking of the fourth wall. But ignore this and you'll be rewarded with a narrative that explores a fascinating territory with a deft, yet capable touch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the science versus religion debate inThe Wonder. How were these two approaches portrayed in the film? What impact did it have on the characters?
Would you describe Lib as a positive female role model? What makes a good role model? What character strengths did she show?
Did you find any of the scenes or discussions disturbing? If so, which ones and why?
Discuss the drug use in the film? Why did Lib take drugs? Were there consequences? Did it glamorize it?
How was sex portrayed in the film? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 2, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : November 16, 2022
- Cast : Florence Pugh , Tom Burke , Niamh Algar
- Director : Sebastian Lelio
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s) , Lesbian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for some sexuality
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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