Watch Wonderstruck

In the 2017 film Wonderstruck, we follow the intertwined stories of two deaf children, Rose and Ben, living 50 years apart. Based on the novel of the same name by Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck is directed by Todd Haynes, known for his visually stunning films such as Carol and Far from Heaven. The film begins in 1927 and introduces us to Rose (Millicent Simmonds), a deaf girl who is obsessed with silent film star Lillian Mayhew (Julianne Moore). Rose's father does not approve of her love for movies and forbids her from attending screenings at the local theater. However, Rose sneaks out one day to see a screening of her favorite actress's newest film and ends up running away from home to New York City in search of Lillian Mayhew.

The film quickly jumps to 1977, where we meet another deaf child, Ben (Oakes Fegley). Ben's mother recently passed away and he is seeking to uncover the identity of his father, who he has never met. After suffering an accident that leaves him deaf in one ear, Ben discovers a mysterious bookmark in his mother's belongings that leads him to a bookstore in New York City. It is there where Ben meets a young boy named Jamie (Jaden Michael) who helps him in his search for answers about his family.

As the film progresses, we see the two children's stories intertwine in unexpected ways as they each search for a sense of belonging and family. The film is masterfully shot, with the 1927 sequences shot in black and white and the 1977 sequences in vibrant color. The visuals and score work together seamlessly to create a dreamlike and magical atmosphere.

Wonderstruck is a film that pays homage to the power of storytelling and the importance of family. The performances of the two child actors, Millicent Simmonds and Oakes Fegley, are outstanding and a testament to their talent. Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams, who plays Ben's mother in flashbacks, also give heartwarming performances.

In addition to the stunning visuals and acting, Wonderstruck also showcases the struggles and triumphs of the deaf community. The film is largely silent, with both Rose and Ben communicating through American Sign Language, and the audience is immersed in the deaf experience through the use of subtitles and sound design.

Overall, Wonderstruck is a beautiful and emotional film that will leave audiences feeling wonderstruck themselves. It is a film that celebrates the importance of family and connections, and ultimately, the power of hope.

Wonderstruck is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 71.