Is The Wonder Based on a True Story? Plot and Ending Explained
by Janani | Updated May 11, 2023
The Wonder
"The Wonder" is a psychological drama film released in 2022 and directed by Sebastián Lelio. The screenplay was co-written by Emma Donoghue, Sebastián Lelio, and Alice Birch, based on Emma Donoghue's 2016 novel of the same name. The story is set in the aftermath of the Great Famine and centers around an English nurse who is dispatched to a rural Irish village to observe a young girl known as the "fasting girl."
This girl claims to possess the extraordinary ability to survive without consuming food. Florence Pugh takes on the lead role, leading an ensemble cast that includes Tom Burke, Niamh Algar, Elaine Cassidy, Dermot Crowley, Brían F. O'Byrne, David Wilmot, Ruth Bradley, Caolán Byrne, Josie Walker, Ciarán Hinds, Toby Jones, and Kíla Lord Cassidy.
"The Wonder" had its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2022. It was then given a limited theatrical release on November 2, 2022, followed by its availability for streaming on Netflix starting from November 16, 2022. The film has garnered positive reviews from critics who praised the meticulous production design and the exceptional performances of the cast, particularly Florence Pugh's portrayal of the lead character.
Is The Wonder Based on a True Story?
No, “The Wonder” is not based on a true story. Directed by Sebastián Lelio (known for his work on "Disobedience"), "The Wonder" is a period drama set in the 19th century. It is based on the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue. The story revolves around a fascinating social phenomenon known as the "fasting girls," where young girls asserted the ability to abstain from food for extended periods of time. The film explores this phenomenon, drawing inspiration from real-life occurrences.
During the 19th century, numerous cases of fasting girls were described and documented. Among these cases, one of the most well-known is that of Sarah Jacob, a young girl from Wales. Tragically, Sarah Jacob died of starvation in 1869, capturing public attention and shedding light on the extraordinary claims made by these fasting girls.
"The Wonder" delves into this historical backdrop, presenting a compelling narrative that explores the psychological, social, and cultural aspects surrounding these phenomena. Sebastián Lelio skillfully directs the film, bringing to life the complexities of the era and the remarkable stories of these young girls who captured the imagination of the public.
Is Wonder a True Story Auggie?
"Wonder" is a heartfelt story that centers around Auggie Pullman, a fictional character who is ten years old and was born with a facial difference similar to Treacher Collins syndrome. Although "Wonder" is a work of fiction, author R.J. Palacio drew inspiration for the story from a personal experience. While at an ice cream shop with her two sons, Palacio had a chance encounter with a young girl who had a facial deformity. This encounter deeply impacted her and served as the catalyst for her to write the novel.
In the book, Auggie's journey unfolds as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of starting fifth grade in a mainstream school, having previously been homeschooled due to his medical condition. The story beautifully captures Auggie's resilience, the impact of his appearance on his self-esteem, and the kindness and empathy he encounters from his family, friends, and peers.
"Wonder" explores themes of acceptance, empathy, and the power of kindness. It provides readers with a poignant and compassionate portrayal of a young boy's unique experiences and the profound impact he has on those around him. The novel has resonated with readers of all ages, inspiring conversations about empathy, inclusion, and embracing differences.
The Wonder Plot
In 1862, Elizabeth "Lib" Wright, an English nurse who had served in the Crimean War, is assigned to a rural village in Ireland. Her mission is to closely monitor Anna O'Donnell, a young girl who, according to her family, has not eaten for four months. Lib is partnered with Sister Michael, a nun, and they are instructed to independently report their observations to a council of local dignitaries.
The community is still haunted by the traumatic events of the Great Famine, making the locals skeptical of the English nurse's presence. Lib meets Anna's deeply religious family, including her mother Rosaleen, father Malachy, and older sister Kitty. During dinner, Lib learns that Anna's older brother passed away from an unknown illness. Despite not consuming any food, Anna appears healthy and claims to survive on "manna from Heaven."
In her lodging, Lib encounters William Byrne, a journalist for the Daily Telegraph who grew up in the same village. William, who lost his family during the Great Famine, believes that Anna's case is a hoax and is reporting on the story. Lib and William develop a relationship during this time.
Initially, Lib's observations yield no evidence of deception. Anna engages in frequent prayer and speaks about the damned souls in Hell. Meanwhile, Lib, who is grieving the loss of her own child, turns to laudanum for sleep.
Observing Anna's mother kissing her on the mouth while cupping her face, Lib suspects that chewed food is being discreetly passed to Anna. She forbids the family from touching the girl. Anna neither denies nor confirms that the chewed food is her sustenance, but she discloses to Lib the reasons behind her fasting: her older brother had sexually assaulted her, and she believes his death was a punishment from God. Anna hopes that her fasting and prayers will save her brother's soul.
As Anna is deprived of her family's touch, her condition deteriorates. William publishes an article blaming Anna's family and the community for her impending death. Lib shares her discoveries with the council, but they refuse to believe her. Sister Michael states that she has found no evidence of Rosaleen feeding Anna. Council members question Anna, but she maintains that she is solely sustained by "manna from Heaven."
Aware that Anna's life is in jeopardy unless she resumes eating, Lib implores the family to take action, or at the very least, for her mother to resume the kisses. However, Rosaleen insists that after Anna's sacred death, both her children will be in heaven. Lib convinces William to help with a rescue plan.
While the family is attending mass, Lib takes the gravely ill Anna to a nearby holy clootie well. She informs Anna that "Anna" will die but will be reborn as a new girl named "Nan." Anna closes her eyes and appears to pass away. When she regains consciousness, Lib is finally able to feed her. Lib returns to the house alone and sets it on fire, intentionally destroying her laudanum bottle.
Lib informs the council that Anna died of natural causes and that the fire was an accident. Fearing their potential responsibility for Anna's death and finding no trace of her body in the charred remains of the house, they dismiss Lib without pay. Sister Michael tells Lib that she witnessed a vision of Anna and an angel leaving the area on horseback after leaving mass early. She asks Lib to assure her that Anna has gone to a better place, and Lib agrees. In Dublin, Lib reunites with William and Nan, who have regained her health. The three assume the identity of a family named Cheshire and embark on a journey to Sydney.
The Wonder Ending Explained
The conclusion of "The Wonder," is somewhat unique. As Lib separates Anna from her family, the young girl's condition deteriorates due to starvation, confirming the nurse's suspicions that her survival was not due to a religious miracle. Lib comes to a realization that Anna is able to sustain herself by consuming food that her mother chews and discreetly passes into her daughter's mouth through kisses. This revelation exposes the truth behind Anna's supposed fasting and sheds light on the deceptive nature of the situation.
"It comes to light that the young girl was convinced to take part in a religious fast as her brother had died four months before, and Anna's mother held her responsible for her brother's death. Anna trusts that by giving up her own life through fasting, she can protect her beloved brother from eternal damnation."
Is The Wonder Based on a True Story? - FAQs
No, "The Wonder" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional psychological drama film based on the novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue. However, the film draws inspiration from real-life occurrences of young girls during the 19th century who claimed to be able to abstain from food for extended periods of time.
"The Wonder" was directed by Sebastián Lelio, known for his work on "Disobedience" and other notable films.
"The Wonder" premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2022.
"The Wonder" became available for streaming on Netflix starting on November 16, 2022.
"The Wonder" is set in the aftermath of the Great Famine and follows an English nurse, Elizabeth "Lib" Wright, who is dispatched to a rural Irish village to observe a young girl known as the "fasting girl." The girl claims to possess the extraordinary ability to survive without consuming food. The story revolves around Lib's investigations into the girl's fasting and the psychological, social, and cultural aspects surrounding the phenomenon.