The Wonder

In 1862, Elizabeth 'Lib' Wright, an experienced English nurse, arrives in a remote Irish village. Her mission is to observe a young girl named Anna O'Donnell, who allegedly has not eaten for four months.

Lib takes residence at a local tavern run by Sean and Maggie Ryan. A committee consisting of local dignitaries provides her with a two-week timeframe to observe Anna and report her findings on the miraculous fasting.

As Lib begins her observations, she encounters the suspicions and historical grievances of the local community. The shadow of the Great Famine lingers in the air, making her presence as an English nurse contentious.

Lib meets Anna's devout family, including her mother Rosaleen, father Malachy, and sister Kitty. During a dinner gathering, she learns about the tragic death of Anna’s elder brother from an undiagnosed illness.

Despite claiming to survive on 'manna from Heaven,' Lib grows concerned for Anna's health and suggests a transfer to the hospital. The family, particularly Rosaleen, staunchly refuses this idea.

Amid her observations, Lib deals with personal grief, relying on laudanum for comfort. She develops a close bond with William Byrne, a local journalist who doubts Anna's claims and seeks to uncover the truth.

As Lib monitors Anna closely, she begins to suspect that Anna’s family is secretly providing her with food. This leads Lib to restrict any physical contact between Anna and her family during her observation period.

Upon confronting Anna about her fasting, Anna reveals that she believes her suffering could liberate her deceased brother from torment. This new insight highlights her emotional struggles and deteriorating health.

Lib grows alarmed as Anna’s health declines, urging Dr. McBrearty to help end the observation and enforce feeding Anna. He suggests that Anna might have a peculiar ability to derive sustenance from sunlight.

Lib presents her findings to the council, asserting that Anna is being covertly fed, but her claims are dismissed. Sister Michael contradicts her, supporting Anna's stance that her sustenance comes directly from divine intervention.

Determined to save Anna, Lib connects with William to execute a plan. While Anna's family is at mass, Lib moves Anna to a sacred Clootie well in an attempt to revitalize her.

While at the well, Anna appears to slip away entirely, but upon Lib's encouragement, she revives enough to eat. This moment signifies a potential turning point in Anna's miraculous fasting.

In a desperate bid to cover her actions and protect Anna, Lib sets fire to the O'Donnell home, ensuring all evidence, including her laudanum, is destroyed. She later claims Anna died of natural causes.

The committee is left in shock, realizing they have lost a potential saint. They terminate Lib’s employment to distance themselves from the fallout and lack of physical evidence.

Eventually, Lib reconnects with William and the revived Anna, who has taken on the name 'Nan.' Together, they adopt the identity of the Cheshire family and set sail for Sydney, marking a fresh start.