logo
The Netflix period drama based on a true story that fans are raving about

The Netflix period drama based on a true story that fans are raving about

Daily Mirror29-05-2025
The Wonder is a historical drama that tells the story of a 'fasting girl' who claims to live without food and water - and the English nurse who is sent to investigate
Sebastian Lelio's 2022 historical thriller The Wonder has been lauded as "entirely fresh and equally brilliant" by critics. The film, available on Netflix, is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lelio and Alice Birch.
Set in post-famine Ireland in 1862, The Wonder tells the story of English nurse Lib Wright, played by Florence Pugh, and a girl named Anna O'Donnell (Nan), brilliantly portrayed by Kila Lord Cassidy. Lib is sent to a devout rural community to observe a mysterious 'fasting girl', who claims to survive without food through divine intervention.


While the film is based on a work of fiction, its premise reflects historical reality. During the Great Famine in Ireland, there was a disturbing increase in cases of 'fasting girls'.
These women claimed to live on heavenly 'manna' and said they could go months without food, according to Surrey Live, reports the Express.
The Wonder stars Academy Award-nominated Florence Pugh and features an impressive cast including rising star Kila Lord Cassidy, Tom Burke, Elaine Cassidy, Niamh Algar, Brian F. O'Byrne, Dermot Crowley, and David Wilmot.

Shooting amidst the stunning Irish landscapes in late summer 2021, 'The Wonder' wowed cinema-goers in a limited November 2022 release before garnering widespread acclaim on Netflix. The film's prowess was acknowledged with a nod for Outstanding British Film at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards.
During an intimate chat with Screen Daily about her choice to collaborate with Chilean director Sebastian Lelio for 'The Wonder', Florence Pugh gushed: "It's been said many times by women who have worked with Sebastian that he has this fantastic ability to tell women's stories.

"It takes a pretty special person to (a), not be from the country that the film is about, and (b), not have proof of doing an era like this before and tell a very challenging female story."
Diving deeper into her decision, Pugh remarked, "I wanted to play Lib in a very raw and natural way and he was 100% behind me. Then, of course, you get him on set and you see the crew is in love with him and everybody is so happy to be working on that job. I suppose it all trickles down from the top and he gave such an amazing example of how to lead a film."
Critics lauded the film effusively, with one reviewer commenting: "Not every story can or should be a movie, despite Hollywood's insistence otherwise. Some should remain books. Some should remain silent. And some, such as this, provide a fresh reminder of the power of visual storytelling."

The film garnered glowing reviews, with one critic saying: "Equally haunting, heartbreaking and heartening, it's a narrative about narratives' ability to transform, destroy, resurrect, imprison, and liberate."
Another critic praised the film's development, noting: "As the picture develops from a spooky Bronte romance into a pointed indictment of society, it takes aim at some familiar targets, but the dramatic impact is powerful."
In appreciation of the movie's theme, a reviewer remarked: "A film about the danger of believing without questioning that turns us into full-throated believers in whatever Lelio and Pugh can do."

Florence's performance was hailed by critics, as one stated: "It might have all been too weighty and metaphorical were it not for Pugh... She is the whole package. A wonder indeed."
This sentiment was shared among viewers, with one audience member commenting: "It is a well-told story, far from the empty stories that we are always told every day, you can appreciate the layers of the characters and Pugh's great artistic ability to make us experience these types of emotions."
An audience review professed: "Wonderful, poetic, captivating. A rare movie that makes you think. Excellent acting keeps you in tension throughout the movie, great soundtrack."
One person described the film as "a thrilling exorcism of beliefs", while another shared their viewing experience: "initially a bit slow, but ultimately engrossing and rewarding".
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

True story of socialite Claus von Bulow accused of trying to murder his heiress wife as scandal becomes TV series
True story of socialite Claus von Bulow accused of trying to murder his heiress wife as scandal becomes TV series

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

True story of socialite Claus von Bulow accused of trying to murder his heiress wife as scandal becomes TV series

Apple is working on a limited series about late socialite Claus von Bulow, who was famously accused of trying to murder his wife Sunny in the early '80s. According to Deadline, the prestige streamer already has British playwright Jack Thorne attached to the project. Thorne was most recently behind Netflix 's psychological crime drama Adolescence, which won universal acclaim from critics and became one of the most-watched Netflix shows of all time. The Danish-born Bulow was found guilty of the attempted murder of his heiress wife in a 1982 trial before being acquitted in 1985 following a second trial. The second trial was televised, making it the first major criminal trial in the United States to be broadcast live on television. He was accused of using insulin injections to try to kill the heiress so that he could get his hands on her $100million fortune, which she had inherited from her Pittsburgh utilities magnate father George Crawford, who died when she was just three. Mrs Bulow was first found unresponsive in one of the many bathrooms at their Rhode Island home while celebrating Christmas with her family in 1979. She slipped into a coma and was rushed to hospital, where she was miraculously revived. Doctors determined that the coma was the result of low blood sugar and diagnosed her as hypoglycemic. The following Christmas she was found unconscious again, but this time she had suffered severe enough brain injury to fall into a persistent vegetative state. The socialite ended up in a coma that lasted for the rest of her life, up until her death in 2008. In a sensational trial, her husband was accused of trying to murder her - being first found guilty, then dramatically cleared. Mrs Bulow's children from her first marriage to Prince Alfred von Auersperg hired private investigators to find out if Mr Bulow was behind what happened to their mother. He was charged in 1982, but released on $1million bail. Mr Bulow was found guilty in 1982 and sentenced to 30 years in jail. Just three years later, the verdict was thrown out and a retrial took place. Mr Bulow hired celebrity attorney Alan Dershowitz, who would later defend O.J. Simpson and Jeffrey Epstein, to get his conviction overturned. Celebrities took the stand to speak in Mr Bulow's defense, including writer Truman Capote, and a media firestorm ensued. According to Dershowitz, one prosecutor on the case said, 'This case has everything. It has money, sex, drugs; it has Newport, New York and Europe; it has nobility; it has maids, butlers, a gardener.' After being freed, Mrs Bulow's children had Mr Bulow removed from their mother's will and left him without a penny. Only the couple's biological daughter, Cosima, stood by him and he denounced any entitlements in favor of her being able to equally share assets with her half siblings. Mr Bulow was able to divorce Mrs Bulow in 1988, while she was still comatose. Their Manhattan apartment and Newport mansion were turned over to the von Auersperg children from her previous marriage. Dershowitz went on to write a book about the trial which was turned into 1990 film Reversal Of Fortune, starring Jeremy Irons as Mr Bulow and Glenn Close as his wife. The film was enormous hit, earning rave reviews from critics and winning Irons the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1991. After his acquittal, Mr Bulow moved to London and became a fixture on the social scene. He died in his London home in 2019 at age 92.

Emily Ratajkowski posts SHOCKING fully nude photo while enjoying summer getaway
Emily Ratajkowski posts SHOCKING fully nude photo while enjoying summer getaway

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Emily Ratajkowski posts SHOCKING fully nude photo while enjoying summer getaway

Emily Ratajkowski posed for a fully nude snap in her latest Instagram post on Thursday as she enjoyed a lavish summer getaway. The supermodel, 34 - who recently risked a wardrobe malfunction in a very daring swimsuit - shared a carousel of photos that had been taken throughout this month and were captioned with 'luglio' which means July in Italian. In one image, the former Nickelodeon actress could be seen soaking up the sun as she relaxed on a lounge chair outside. However, Ratajkowski opted to ditch clothing and instead simply donned a red cap on top of her brunette locks to protect her eyes from the bright sunshine. She turned her head to gaze towards the camera and also held her smartphone in her hand so her arms could rest on top of her chest. It is not the first the media personality has made the bold move and notably posed for a nude bathroom selfie last year. Ratajkowski seemingly whisked herself away to Italy - and was joined by close pals as well as her son Sly, four. She shares the little one with ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. Another picture showed the beauty sporting a skimpy green bikini top with a plunging neckline on the front. Her hair was parted in the middle and naturally flowed down past her shoulders in light waves. Ratajkowski flashed her toned midriff during a stroll in a bustling city as she donned a cropped top as well as black shorts in the hot weather. She carried a purse over her right shoulder and completed the casual look with a pair of fashionable black shades. The Gone Girl actress snapped another selfie as she sat underneath a shady area while donning a plunging black swimsuit while a towel was wrapped on top of her head. During the trip, both Ratajkowski and her son had the chance to spend quality time together - and in one snap, the pair posed in their swimwear. They stood next to a tree on a dirt path with the model wearing a pair of mini yellow bottoms and a patterned bikini top. She added a red button up on top and slipped into a pair of white flats. The Gone Girl actress snapped another selfie as she sat underneath a shady area while donning a plunging black swimsuit while a towel was wrapped on top of her head Another image was taken as Ratajkowski paused next to a vintage red car outside what appeared to be a scenic hotel. She also showcased her airport style as both she and her son Sly waited to board their plane. The beauty opted for a strapless white tube top as well as a pair of low-waisted, brown trousers. Her son had a blast during the vacation and was filmed dancing as a man sang an Italian song at a restaurant. Ratajkowski also gave her followers a glimpse at some of the stylish outfits she wore last week in NYC while promoting her latest Netflix series titled Too Much. Lastly, the star shared snaps that revealed some of the tasty meals she was able to indulge in on the trip. She also showed off the swimming pool that was located at the hotel and filmed another clip while enjoying a drive in Italy. Over the past weekend, Ratajkowski turned up the heat while showcasing her figure in a skimpy black swimsuit that had a deep plunging neckline on the front that fell down towards her lower midriff. Ratajkowski also gave her followers a glimpse at some of the stylish outfits she wore last week in NYC while promoting her latest Netflix series titled Too Much She modeled the head-turning look while spending time inside a luxurious villa near the Adriatic Sea which borders the eastern side of Italy. Ratajkowski has had a busy summer thus far, and recently promoted her new Netflix show Too Much, which was released on the streaming site on July 10. In the series - which was created by Lena Dunham and her husband Luis Felber - the star portrays the character of Wendy Jones. The My Body author wowed in an assortment of ensembles while stopping by talk shows in the Big Apple - including a vibrant blue snakeskin minidress from Gucci. She also dished on 'decentering' men as she stopped by the Today show while talking to hosts Jenna Bush Hager and guest co-host Willie Geist. At one point, Ratajkowski was questioned if it was true that she has been 'deprioritizing' men in her life. 'Well, the kids say decentering,' she lightly joked, and elaborated to the Today hosts that it was true. 'I am a single mom and I just really, I think as I've gotten older I started to really value community with other women particularly. And that's definitely a priority for me.' She added, 'I think it's one of the best parts about living in New York as I get to meet so many amazing women and queer people. And yeah, I really value community these days.' Following her split from her husband, Emily seemingly came out as bisexual in October 2022 after posting a TikTok clip. The following month, she expressed to Harper's Bazaar: 'I think sexuality is on a sliding scale. I don't really believe in straight people.' Ratajkowski later said, 'I want to be able to have fun with how I present myself in the world without feeling like I'm a bad feminist or a good feminist. Duh. I don't want to be a part of your club if you don't want to have me. It's fine!' Also last week, it was revealed that her ex-boyfriend Pete Davidson is expecting his first child with model girlfriend Elsie Hewitt.

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Unforgivable on BBC2: Shocking but powerful, this was even tougher to watch than Adolescence
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Unforgivable on BBC2: Shocking but powerful, this was even tougher to watch than Adolescence

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Unforgivable on BBC2: Shocking but powerful, this was even tougher to watch than Adolescence

Don't say you weren't warned. As if the title weren't stark enough, the opening scene of Unforgivable served notice that writer Jimmy McGovern was intent on piling horrors upon miseries. Anna Friel, as harassed single mother Anna McKinney, arrived at her teenage son's school to be informed the boy had broken another pupil's jaw. We never learned why, because Tom was refusing to speak. While she was pleading with the head teacher not to suspend her son, Anna's father phoned to say her mother had just died. Far worse was to come, as she discovered her estranged brother, Joe, was about to be released from prison on probation - after serving his sentence for sexually abusing Tom. Traumatic family dramas that tackle deeply upsetting, taboo topics are dominating the market for serious television this year, following the success of Adolescence on Netflix. But Adolescence featured the familiar elements of a police thriller, with gripping interviews that slowly led us to a shocking truth. Anna Maxwell Martin, pictured, played a nun, Katherine, who gave Joe a room in a hostel for repentant sex offenders, and tried to help him come to terms with his past Unforgivable was much more difficult to watch. We discovered early on that Joe (Bobby Schofield) really had groomed and assaulted the boy, and that the grief and shame of it had driven his mother to an early grave. Bare backside of the night It's been quite a week for naked behinds on telly. After the acres of rear ends in BBC1's The Narrow Road To The Deep North, Danny Dyer discarded his bath towel on Mr Bigstuff (Sky Max). But did he use a stand-in? Was that a stunt bottom? The courage Schofield must have needed to play this part is remarkable. Gradually, we realised Joe had experienced abuse himself as a boy, at the hands of the local football coach who was also a family friend. As he unburdened himself of this secret to therapists, he wept and shook with self-loathing - earning a degree of sympathy, but never becoming likeable. It was a powerfully brave performance, but Joe remained sullen, self-pitying, manipulative and disloyal, unable to think of anything but the suffering he had both caused and endured. Anna Maxwell Martin played a nun, Katherine, who gave him a room in a hostel for repentant sex offenders, and tried to help him come to terms with his past. When she revealed she had breast cancer, he seemed barely interested. McGovern didn't seem to care that much either: we learned next to nothing about her treatment or her prognosis. Given the general tone of despair throughout the hour-and-three-quarters of the one-off episode, I suspect it didn't end well for her. The only note of hope was that Joe's father, Brian (David Threlfall), lived to the end of the story. That never seemed likely: grey-faced and breathless, he looked like a heart attack dressed up in a shirt and trousers. Threlfall is used to making himself look ill for roles. For nine years, he played the walking cadaver Frank Gallagher in Shameless. It's an odd thing that, however sick and seedy his characters appear, Threlfall always survives to the credits... whereas Sean Bean, the epitome of burly Northern health, is invariably killed off. Work that one out.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store