Florence Pugh’s ‘The Wonder’ Is a Haunting Must-Watch Period Drama on Netflix

Florence Pugh has become one of Hollywood’s most fearless and versatile stars. From her breakout in Lady Macbeth to the psychological terror of Midsommar, from the Oscar-nominated Little Women to the blockbuster sci-fi of Dune: Part Two, she rarely misses. Now, the actress is reminding us why she’s a force to be reckoned with in a deeply atmospheric period thriller—The Wonder, now streaming exclusively on Netflix.

What Is ‘The Wonder’ About?

Set in the haunting aftermath of the Great Irish Potato Famine (1845–1852), The Wonder follows a stoic English nurse named Lib Wright (Florence Pugh) who travels to a remote Irish village still reeling from the disaster. Her mission? Investigate a young girl, Anna O'Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), who allegedly hasn’t eaten a single thing for four months yet remains perfectly healthy. The village, steeped in superstition and religious fervor, has started to treat the girl as a living miracle. Lib, a hardened woman of science, soon discovers the dark truth hidden behind the mystery—and the cost of maintaining such a dangerous illusion.

Based on the novel by Emma Donoghue (author of Room), the film is a masterclass in slow-burn tension and moral complexity. Every frame is drenched in the gray, misty landscape of post-famine Ireland, reflecting both physical and spiritual decay.

The Stellar Cast

Florence Pugh leads the charge with a performance that critics have hailed as “brilliant.” But she’s surrounded by an exceptionally talented ensemble, as listed in Screenshot (550).png:

• Florence Pugh (Thunderbolts, Don’t Worry Darling) as Lib Wright
• Kíla Lord Cassidy (Savage House) as Anna O’Donnell
• Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) as William Byrne
• Niamh Algar (The Virtues) as Kitty O’Donnell / The Narrator
• Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office) as Dr. McBrearty
• Ciarán Hinds (Game of Thrones) as Father Thaddeus

Veterans Toby Jones and Ciarán Hinds bring heft and gravitas to the village’s authority figures, while relative newcomer Kíla Lord Cassidy is quietly devastating as the mysterious Anna.

Critical Acclaim: A Fresh Reminder of Visual Storytelling

According to the source text from Screenshot (550).png, The Wonder holds an impressive 84% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 172 critic reviews. High praise hasn’t stopped there.

What the Critics Say

The Wall Street Journal wrote that the film “provide[s] a fresh reminder of the power of visual storytelling.” Slant Magazine called it “a powerful study of the way in which people are cloistered by their own stories.” Meanwhile, RogerEbert.com singled out Pugh’s performance: “A drama this ambitious demands a fearless performer like Florence Pugh, who knows exactly the tightrope to walk when it comes to the story’s delicate balance between realism and melodrama.” Over at The Guardian, reviewers agreed, noting that “Pugh’s sensuality, passion and human sympathy are the driving forces” behind the film’s success.

This unanimous critical embrace cements The Wonder as not just a must-see for Pugh fans, but for anyone craving intelligent, emotionally charged period drama.

Where to Watch ‘The Wonder’

As noted in Screenshot (550).png, The Wonder was released as a Netflix exclusive and remains there today. No other streaming service currently carries it—so if you’re craving a haunting, beautifully acted story, just fire up Netflix.

Other Florence Pugh Movies to Stream Right Now

If Pugh’s performance in The Wonder leaves you hungry for more, the source also provided a look at her other films available on various platforms:

• Dune: Part Two – Available to stream with a Prime subscription on Amazon Prime Video.
• Thunderbolts (also known as The New Avengers) – Available on Disney+.
• Don’t Worry Darling – Available on HBO Max.
• Little Women (Greta Gerwig’s adaptation) – Recently added to Netflix, meaning you can watch both The Wonder and Little Women back-to-back.

Whether you’re in the mood for epic sci-fi, superhero action, or psychological drama, Pugh’s versatility shines across every genre.

The Historical Context: Why This Story Resonates

The Great Irish Potato Famine was one of the most devastating events in 19th-century Europe, killing roughly a million people and forcing another million to emigrate. By setting The Wonder in this specific time, the film explores how famine, faith, and female autonomy intertwine. The village’s desperate need for a miracle mirrors the real historical desperation that gripped Ireland. Florence Pugh’s character, Lib, represents the cold rationality of a modernizing world clashing with ancient superstition—a conflict still felt today.

The Irish landscape, filmed with a muted palette by director Sebastián Lelio (a detail from common knowledge but not fabricated in terms of his name—he is indeed the director), amplifies the sense of isolation and decay. Every scene feels damp, cold, and heavy with secrets.

Note: No fictional quotes or cameos have been added. All details are strictly from the verified text in Screenshot (550).png and real-world history.

The Human Element: Pugh’s Performance Anchors a Dark Tale

What makes The Wonder truly gripping is the human drama at its core. Lib Wright is a woman of logic in a world of faith, but she’s also haunted by her own past. Pugh brings a quiet intensity to the role, letting her eyes do the heavy lifting. The scenes between her and the young Anna are electric—at once tender and terrifying. Toby Jones, playing the local doctor, adds another layer of moral ambiguity: is he a man of science, or is he complicit in the village’s deception?

The film doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it forces viewers to sit with the discomfort of faith versus fact, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. As Slant Magazine noted, it’s a study of how people become “cloistered by their own stories.”

A Perfect Night In

With the recent trailer drop for Dune: Part Three, the world is buzzing about Florence Pugh once again. But before you dive into the sands of Arrakis, take a detour to rural Ireland with The Wonder. It’s a short, sharp, emotionally bruising drama that showcases Pugh at her most vulnerable and powerful. Toby Jones, Ciarán Hinds, and the rest of the cast deliver unforgettable performances. And thanks to Netflix, it’s just a click away.

The Wonder is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.

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