Is Wonder based on a true story? Plot and Ending Explained
by Rajalaxmi | Updated Apr 19, 2023
The Wonder
The Wonder is a 2022 psychological drama film directed by Sebastián Lelio. The screenplay was written by Donoghue, Lelio, and Alice Birch. The film is set in rural Ireland shortly after the Great Famine and follows an English nurse sent to observe a young girl who is believed to be miraculously surviving without eating.
Florence Pugh plays the lead role of the nurse and is supported by 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 film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2022, and was released in theaters on November 2, 2022, with a streaming release on Netflix on November 16, 2022.
Critics have praised the film for its production design and cast performances, with Pugh's performance, in particular, receiving praise. The Wonder is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores themes of faith, superstition, and the human condition. The film's period setting and attention to detail transport viewers back in time, creating a rich and immersive experience.
The film's central mystery, the young girl's ability to survive without eating, is explored in a nuanced and sensitive way, raising questions about the nature of miracles and the power of belief. The film also examines the relationship between the English nurse and the local community, highlighting the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist between them.
Is Wonder based on a true story?
The Wonder is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue. The Wonder, a novel set in a unique time and place with its accurate portrayal of the era and its people, often prompts readers to wonder if it is based on a true story. However, the answer to this question is no. The Wonder is a work of fiction, and while it may draw inspiration from real events or historical facts, it is not based on any specific true story.
The author, Emma Donoghue, has explained that the idea for The Wonder came from a true story she had heard about a girl in 19th-century rural Ireland who claimed to live without food. Donoghue was intrigued by the concept and decided to weave a fictional narrative around it. While the premise of the story may be based on a true event, the characters, events, and settings depicted in the novel are entirely fictional.
In creating the story, Donoghue conducted extensive research on the period, including the social and cultural norms of rural Ireland in the mid-1800s, as well as the medical practices of the time. This attention to detail is evident in the novel's vivid descriptions of the landscape, the customs and traditions of the people, and the medical practices of the era.
Despite its fictional nature, The Wonder remains a captivating and thought-provoking story that immerses readers in a fascinating period of history. Its exploration of faith, doubt, and the power of belief is as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. The novel reminds us of the importance of critical thinking, questioning our beliefs, and the dangers of blindly following tradition or authority.
The Wonder Ending explained
In a moment of desperation, Lib decided to take matters into her own hands and carry Anna out of the house. She whispered to Anna that she could let "Anna" die now and, after a brief moment, Anna opened her eyes, reborn as "Nan." As they emerged from the house, Nan was weak and hungry. Lib gave her a tiny portion of food to nourish her, but she knew that they needed to leave the area quickly.
Without hesitation, Lib went back into the house and set it on fire. The flames quickly engulfed the house, and she could feel the intense heat and smoke filling her lungs. Despite the danger, Lib was determined to escape the inferno. She stumbled out of the burning building, her body covered in severe burns. It was a miracle that she made it out alive.
As they stood outside, watching the flames consume everything they had known, Lib knew that they were truly free. Free from the abuse and trauma they had endured for years, free from the constant fear and isolation. But the road ahead would not be easy. They had no home, no possessions, and no money. The scars from the fire would also remain with Lib for the rest of her life, a constant reminder of the sacrifice she had made for Nan's freedom.
The Wonder plot
In 1862, Elizabeth "Lib" Wright, an experienced nurse who had served in the Crimean War, received a new assignment: she was to travel to a small, rural village in Ireland to monitor a young girl named Anna O'Donnell. According to Anna's family, she had not eaten anything for four months and was surviving solely on water and prayer.
The local community was split over the issue, with some believing that Anna was a miracle and others suspecting that she was being deliberately starved for attention or financial gain. The town council decided to call in outside experts to investigate the situation, and Lib was chosen for her reputation as a no-nonsense nurse with a strong sense of duty.
Upon arriving in the village, Lib was introduced to Sister Michael, a nun who had been tasked with assisting her in her duties. Together, the two women were to closely observe Anna and report their findings independently to the council of local dignitaries.
Anna was a frail and delicate-looking child, with big blue eyes and a pale complexion. She spoke softly and rarely moved from her bed, where she lay wrapped in blankets. Lib and Sister Michael took turns watching her day and night, recording everything she did and said. They also closely monitored her bathroom habits to ensure that she was not sneaking food or water when they were not looking.
As the days passed, Lib grew increasingly concerned about Anna's health. She noticed that the girl's pulse was weak and erratic, and that she was prone to fainting spells. She also began to suspect that Anna was not as devout as her family had claimed, as the girl often seemed disinterested in prayer and sometimes even fell asleep during Mass.
Sister Michael, on the other hand, remained convinced that Anna was a holy miracle. She spent long hours praying beside the girl's bed and frequently spoke of her belief that God was sustaining Anna through her fast.
The tension between the two women grew as their reports to the council began to diverge. Lib wrote of her growing concern for Anna's health and her suspicion that the girl was being harmed by her prolonged fast. Sister Michael, meanwhile, spoke of Anna's spiritual strength and the miraculous nature of her survival.
In the end, the council made the difficult decision to force Anna to eat, believing that her life was in danger. The girl was initially resistant, but eventually gave in and began to take small amounts of food and water. Slowly, she began to regain her strength and her color returned to her cheeks.
The Wonder trailer
Is Wonder based on a true story - FAQs
The Wonder is a psychological drama film set in rural Ireland shortly after the Great Famine. It follows an English nurse sent to observe a young girl who is believed to be miraculously surviving without eating. The film explores themes of faith, superstition, and the human condition.
The Wonder was directed by Sebastián Lelio.
The screenplay for The Wonder was written by Emma Donoghue, Sebastián Lelio, and Alice Birch.
Florence Pugh plays the lead role of the nurse in The Wonder. The film also stars Tom Burke, Niamh Algar, Elaine Cassidy, Dermot Crowley, Brían F. O'Byrne, David Wilmot, Ruth Bradley, Caolán Byrne, Josie Walker, Ciarán Hinds, Toby Jones, Kíla Lord Cassidy.
The Wonder premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2022. It had a limited theatrical release on November 2, 2022, and was released on Netflix.