This movie was another highly anticipated one for me ever since I saw its trailers and featurettes sometime back in October, this year!
This movie starrs Florence Pugh, Tom Burke (Netflix’s “The Crown”), Niamh Algar (“Cash Truck”), Toby Jones (Marvel’s “What If”), Mary Murray (“Vikings: Valhalla”), just to name a few.
This movie was directed by Sebastián Lelio (“Gloria”).
This movie was released on November 16th 2022. It was rated R for sexuality.
This movie is a Drama/Thriller/Mystery.
This movie debuted at the “Toronto International Film Festival” and at the “BFI London Film Festival”.
Onto the premise: Set in The Irish Midlands in 1862, the story follows a young girl who stops eating but remains miraculously alive and well. English nurse Lib Wright is brought to a tiny village to observe eleven-year old Anna O’Donnell. Tourists and pilgrims mass to witness the girl who is said to have survived without food for months. Is the village harbouring a saint ‘surviving on manna from heaven’ or are there more ominous motives at work?
Firstly, the opening title credits were bold (not the font) but as soon as you hit play you will know what I mean… and I really liked the idea too.!!
This, as you may have heard, is a slow-burn, but also a very interesting piece. It’s great to see new and inventive stories and plot points.
You never really quite know what to think or where the direction of the movie will end up, and that was the best part of the writing, directing and editing.
The acting and slow development of the story keep you engaged and your brain ticking over the possible in the third act outcomes and payoffs… If you enjoy the period piece, drama, thriller type of movies then go into this one not knowing too much, if that’s possible.
Overall I really enjoyed this movie, I love Florence and she never disappoints! This movie COULD easily end up on the best of the year lists for some, me included! Especially on the originality scale.
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