The Wonder

The Wonder

Year: 2022

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Sebastián Lelio

DramaMysteryThriller

In 1862, amidst the Irish Midlands, a puzzling event captivates a community: eleven-year-old Anna O’Donnell has miraculously survived for months without food. English nurse Lib Wright, skeptical and pragmatic, is brought in to investigate the seemingly impossible situation. As Lib observes Anna and interacts with the devout villagers, she finds herself entangled in a web of faith, suspicion, and long-held secrets, questioning both the girl's condition and the motivations of those around her.

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Timeline – The Wonder (2022)

Trace every key event in The Wonder (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in Ireland

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.

1862 Remote Irish village
2

Initial Investigation

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.

Local tavern
3

Local Sentiment

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.

Irish village
4

Meeting Anna's Family

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.

O'Donnell family home
5

Lib's Growing Concerns

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.

O'Donnell family home
6

Grief and Growing Bonds

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.

Local tavern
7

Suspicion of Deception

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.

O'Donnell family home
8

Anna’s Revelation

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.

O'Donnell family home
9

Call to Action

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.

Local doctor’s office
10

Presenting Evidence

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.

Council meeting
11

Desperate Measures

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.

Clootie well
12

A Dramatic Shift

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.

Clootie well
13

Destruction of Evidence

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.

O'Donnell family home
14

Aftermath of the Fire

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.

Council meeting
15

New Beginnings

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.

Dublin

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:33

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The Wonder Summary

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The Wonder Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wonder

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Wonder

The Wonder Ending Explained

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The Wonder Ending Explained

More About The Wonder

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More About The Wonder

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