To the Wonder

Terrence Malick movies aren't for everyone.  His meditative style (especially in his more recent films) alienates some viewers.  He doesn't make movies to tell a story so much as he makes movies to get you thinking.  Using a largely handheld camera to linger on beautiful images and sparse voiceover, he presents the viewer to themes/ideas that he's pondering.  He does not make films with engaging narratives or characters.  You don't watch his films to be entertained.  You watch them to be offered questions that you must find the answer to after the film concludes.

For some people, this seems like a miserable way to spend 2 hours.  I, however, love the films of Terrence Malick and "To the Wonder" is no exception.

"To the Wonder" is the most dispassionate film about passion I've ever seen.  The plot is basic and merely serves as a framework to hang the thematic musings of the director.  Essentially, a Ukrainian/French woman meets a man in Paris and they fall in love.  She and her daughter return to America with him.  The passion cools.  He seeks out an ex.  She returns to France.  Later, they reunite.  Also, a priest is lonely.

The point?  It all works as a study of loneliness within a relationship and the nature of passion.  A woman is promised love and companionship.  She marries the man but the promise is never fulfilled.  The priest is also promised love and companionship (this time by God).  He enters the clergy, basically marrying God, but he feels that is not receiving what he was promised either.

There's plenty more to mull over in "To the Wonder" than bad relationships.  And that's part of what makes a Malick movie so intriguing.  There's always something more.

The performances are intentionally wooden.  The actors don't portray characters; they portray concepts.  The exception is Olga Kurylenko.  She gets to bring some emotion to her role.  But her emoting is presenting in what almost amounts to caricature.  Her emotions are concepts too.  It must be difficult for a cast of such accomplished actors to turn off their skill. 

I could ramble on about "To the Wonder" all day.  The photography is glorious.  The presentation of ideas is captivating.  But many folks will hate it.  If you've never seen a Terrence Malick movie, I don't suggest you start here.  Start with "Days of Heaven" or "The Thin Red Line" and work your way up to this one.  For those who like Malick or films as philosophic meditation, please go experience "To the Wonder."

8 out of 10