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Wonder Wheel is a 2017 drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. The film is set in the 1950s on Coney Island and portrays the lives of four individuals whose paths cross in unexpected ways. The protagonist of the film is Ginny, played by Kate Winslet, who is stuck in an unhappy marriage with a carousel operator named Humpty, played by Jim Belushi. Ginny works as a waitress at a seafood restaurant situated on the boardwalk, where she meets a young, attractive lifeguard named Mickey, played by Justin Timberlake. Mickey dreams of being a writer and aspires to become a great playwright one day.

Juno Temple plays Carolina, Humpty's daughter from his first marriage. She shows up at their doorstep seeking refuge from her abusive husband who is a member of the mob. Ginny is not happy about Carolina's arrival, as she fears that her own secrets may be exposed.

The film portrays the relationships between the characters in detail, and their interactions are fraught with tension and complications. Ginny is continually at odds with her husband, and her relationship with Mickey becomes increasingly complicated. Ginny also feels resentment towards Carolina, whom she sees as a threat to her own safety and stability.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Wonder Wheel, a large Ferris wheel on Coney Island, which becomes a metaphor for the characters' lives. The Ferris wheel, which represents hope, dreams, and possibilities, is also a reminder of how quickly things can change. The characters' lives are precarious, just like the riders of the Ferris wheel, who are lifted up into the air one moment and then plunged down the next.

As the film progresses, the relationships between the characters become increasingly complicated. Ginny's affair with Mickey becomes more serious, and she finds herself torn between her loyalty to her husband and her attraction to Mickey. At the same time, Carolina's presence at the amusement park leads to further conflict and tension, as it becomes apparent that her arrival has implications for all of the characters.

The film is a character-driven drama that provides a snapshot of life on Coney Island in the 1950s. The setting of the boardwalk and the amusement park are used to great effect, providing a vivid backdrop against which the characters' lives are played out. Woody Allen's direction is nuanced and subtle, and the film explores themes of love, betrayal, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

The performances in the film are uniformly excellent, with Kate Winslet, in particular, delivering a standout portrayal of a woman struggling to find her place in the world. Justin Timberlake is also impressive as Mickey, bringing a charm and sensitivity to the role that makes him an engaging character. Juno Temple's performance as Carolina is also strong, with the actress bringing a vulnerability and complexity to the character that makes her more than just a one-dimensional victim.

Overall, Wonder Wheel is a thoughtful and compelling drama that succeeds in exploring complex themes through nuanced characterizations and evocative imagery. The film is a testament to Woody Allen's skill as a director and writer, and it is sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates well-crafted, character-driven dramas.

Wonder Wheel is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 46.