Film Review: To The Wonder

Director: Terrence Malick

A short turn-around (by Malick's standards) from his last film The Tree of Life, this 2012 romantic drama is semi-autobiographical according to Malick himself with the character of Neil going through many of the same things Malick did in his life. Malick married a European women in the 80's and they moved to a suburban town in America but the relationship failed to last under the strain which aligns with some of the storyline here in To The Wonder. Christian Bale was originally cast to play Neil but pulled out due of the production.

In Malick's usual visual style what is displayed is beautifully crafted and perfectly shot but as a film to watch and understand it struggles deeply. Very little conversation is used with the plot being conveyed by actions with a superb orchestral score played over the top, we are allowed into the thoughts of Marina as she speaks over scenes in French. The shots of the young couple in Paris and visiting Mont St. Michel are truly stunning and this film is probably second only to Into the Wild in how naturally beautiful it is as a visual piece.

Neil (Ben Affleck) and Marina (Olga Kurylenko)

Life in suburban Oklahoma is difficult for Neil and Marina especially when Marina's travel visa runs out, Neil begins to re-connect with old flame Jane (Rachel McAdams) as they begin another whirlwind romance much the same as Neil did with Marina. From there the paths cross as Neil wonders what he wants from his life. The opening act is intriguing enough and leaves you intrigued as to how the relationship of Neil and Marina will play out but the films style grows more tedious as the plot becomes less intriguing which leaves you with an ending you're waiting to happen for the wrong reasons.

The sub plot of Neil working on a project to understand what is poisoning the water in the town is an intriguing one that is under utilized in the film, whilst the story surrounding a priest (Javier Bardem) disillusioned with his faith is laughable and utterly superfluous. Overall its a bit of a mess of a movie where you're probably best just seeing the first act then leaving it there.

1.5/4 Visually stunning but lacking anything more redeeming features