Watch The Wonders

The Wonders is a delightful comedy-drama that explores the dynamics of an Israeli family of four who live in a small, rural village. The 2013 film won the Grand Prix at Cannes and was directed by the talented Alice Rohrwacher. At the center of the story is a young girl named Gelsomina (played beautifully by newcomer Maria Alexandra Lungu), who dreams of leaving the family's beekeeping farm to join a TV talent show called "The Wonders". Gelsomina is the middle child in the family and is often overshadowed by her older sister, who is pretty and popular, and her younger sisters who are cute and endearing.

Her father, Wolfgang (Adir Miller), is a strict patriarch who runs the farm with an iron fist. He is obsessed with his bees and treats them like his children, often referring to them as his "girls". Wolfgang is also very traditional and is resistant to change. When he hears about Gelsomina's desire to join "The Wonders", he dismisses it as a waste of time and insists that she stay home to help with the farm work.

Gelsomina, however, is determined to make her dream come true. She tries out for the show with her three sisters - one of whom is a mute - and a timid boy named Martin (Luis Huilca) who comes to help out on the farm. Together, they form a team called "The Wonders" and embark on a journey that is both magical and challenging.

The film has a dream-like quality to it, with moments of surrealism and symbolism that add to the overall charm. The scenes with the bees are particularly mesmerizing, as the camera captures their movements and interactions with delicate precision. The soundtrack, too, is hauntingly beautiful, with a mix of folk music and classical pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.

As the story unfolds, we see the family members grow and change in unexpected ways. Gelsomina's mother (Alba Rohrwacher) is a quiet presence who seems content with her role as a housewife, but reveals a hidden talent for embroidery. Her older sister (Agnes Hranitzky) starts to question her future and her relationship with her boyfriend (Orfeo Orlando). Martin, too, discovers new strengths and becomes more confident in himself.

The performances are superb across the board, with Adir Miller in particular delivering a nuanced portrayal of a complex character. He is both authoritative and vulnerable, stern and caring, and his relationship with Gelsomina is the heart of the film.

Overall, The Wonders is a charming and thought-provoking movie that celebrates the beauty and complexity of rural life. It is a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of family, and is sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.

The Wonders is a 2013 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.