Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Surprisingly unsatisfying fantasy film has peril, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Wonderwell
What's the Story?
WONDERWELL follows 12-year-old Violet (Kiera Milward), whose inquisitive nature seems barely tolerated by her family. But while she's in Italy for her sister Savannah's (Nell Tiger Free) modeling career, Violet befriends Daniele (Sebastian Croft) and walks to a forest, where she meets the mysterious Hazel (Carrie Fisher, in her final film role). That encounter ends up leading her to a world in which Hazel and fashion superstar Yana (Rita Ora) are dueling witches/sisters who are intent on using Violet's powers.
Is It Any Good?
It's too bad that Carrie Fisher's final on-screen appearance doesn't pack more of a punch. Fisher herself is engaging as the mystical witch Hazel, but the rest of Wonderwell doesn't support the magic she brings. Instead, the story gets muddled: It isn't clear whether Violet is learning what she's supposed to learn -- or doing what she's supposed to be doing in the mirror world she gets sucked into. The mirror world also seems too similar to Violet's regular world, making it even more confusing as to what viewers should expect from the characters and the story. And the movie's ending is also less than satisfying. Overall, Wonderwell is worth watching for fans who want to see Fisher's final performance, but otherwise it falls short.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what audience they think Wonderwell is targeted at. How can you tell? Does it succeed?
What are some of the stressors affecting Violet's family in Wonderwell? Why don't they get along? How do Violet and her sister repair their relationship?
What do you think Violet's powers represent? Can you think of other movies that feature kids with special powers?
Do you think the film is trying to say something about puberty and sexual awakening? What elements of the film could be seen as supporting that interpretation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 23, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : June 23, 2023
- Cast : Carrie Fisher , Rita Ora , Kiera Milward
- Director : Vlad Marsavin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements/suggestive content
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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