Directors: Alice Rohrwacher.
Cast: Maria Alexandra Lungu, Monica Belluci, Alba Rohrwacher, Sam Louwyck, Sabine Tomoteo.
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 110 minutes
Synopsis:Gelsomina (Lungu) looks set to break free from her isolated life on her family’s farm by entering their honey into a televised contest.
The ins and outs of beekeeping on a farm may not seem as though it could provide us with a lot of drama or intrigue, but we’re soon proven wrong. Set in a reality set, but somehow still fantastical world, we follow a group of young girls who live happily with their father until they bump across the filming of a competition announcement. From there, their dreams become a little broader in scope.
Rohrwacher’s direction is something of dreamlike beauty. Although the film never leaves the realms of reality, nor does it become surreal, the camera floats around carefully crafted moments that will be very unfamiliar to your everyday schmoe. While characters chase their dreams, they are presented in such a way, with gently lit compositions of very precise detail.
Coming of age films are very common, but Gelsomina seems as though she has already come of age, but she needs to convince those around her. Her father, Wolfgang (Louwyck) is a traditional mess, fearing change or too much interference from the outside. His jovial enjoyment of the bizarre competition his daughter involves him in becomes a heartwarming and enlightening moment. This isn’t a simple reversal of expected roles within the family dynamic though, as we also see Gelsomina make childish mistakes, and the father rule with authority.
The Wonders is a very quaint film that doesn’t push boundaries too far. However, in its simplicity lies subtle complexities and memorable moments that constantly surprise. Who knew that a bucket of honey overflowing could cause such heart palpating intensity? With a beautiful look at the countryside, and characters whose simple pleasures fill us with delight, this is a much needed break from loud and fast action spectacles.
The Wonders is released in cinemas today.
