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Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix streaming 'captivating' period drama based on real events that viewers can't get enough of
Netflix fans are raving about a psychological period drama starring Florence Pugh which explores the phenomenon of 'fasting girls'. Netflix is now streaming Sebastián Lelio's 2022 historical thriller The Wonder which has been hailed as "entirely fresh and equally brilliant" by critics. The period drama is inspired by the same-titled 2016 novel written by Emma Donoghue, who also contributed to its screenplay alongside Lelio and Alice Birch. Set against the backdrop of post-famine Ireland in 1862, The Wonder tells the tale of English nurse Lib Wright, played by Florence Pugh, and a girl called Anna O'Donnell (Nan), portrayed by Kíla Lord Cassidy. Lib arrives in a deeply religious and rural community and is given the job of observing an enigmatic 'fasting girl', who astonishingly claims to sustain herself without food through divine intervention. While The Wonder is not entirely based on a true story, the film's premise mirrors historical reality. During Ireland's Great Famine, there was a harrowing increase in cases of 'fasting girls'. Starring Academy Award-nominated Florence Pugh as the leading role, The Wonder boasts a stellar cast that also includes young talent Kíla Lord Cassidy, Tom Burke, Elaine Cassidy, Niamh Algar, Brían F. O'Byrne, Dermot Crowley, and David Wilmot. The movie was filmed across the Emerald Isle in late summer 2021 and graced a selection of cinemas for a brief stint in November 2022 before it was introduced on Netflix, the Express reports. The Wonder earned recognition at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards with an Outstanding British Film nomination. Chatting with Screen Daily about her decision to join forces with Chilean maestro Sebastián Lelio for 'The Wonder', Pugh said: "It's been said many times by women who have worked with Sebastian that he has this fantastic ability to tell women's stories. "It takes a pretty special person to (a), not be from the country that the film is about, and (b), not have proof of doing an era like this before and tell a very challenging female story." She continued: "I wanted to play Lib in a very raw and natural way and he was 100% behind me. Then, of course, you get him on set and you see the crew is in love with him and everybody is so happy to be working on that job. "I suppose it all trickles down from the top and he gave such an amazing example of how to lead a film." The Wonder received positive reviews from critics with one stating: "Not every story can or should be a movie, despite Hollywood's 's insistence otherwise. Some should remain books. "Some should remain silent. And some, such as this, provide a fresh reminder of the power of visual storytelling." Another impressed viewer described the film as: "Equally haunting, heartbreaking and heartening, it's a narrative about narratives' ability to transform, destroy, resurrect, imprison, and liberate." Someone else applauded the film's progression, commenting: "As the picture develops from a spooky Brontë romance into a pointed indictment of society, it takes aim at some familiar targets, but the dramatic impact is powerful." Meanwhile, a fourth added: "A film about the danger of believing without questioning that turns us into full-throated believers in whatever Lelio and Pugh can do." Pugh's outstanding performance has also been praised by critics with one writing: "It might have all been too weighty and metaphorical were it not for Pugh... She is the whole package. A wonder indeed." Others echoed this sentiment, with one saying: "It is a well-told story, far from the empty stories that we are always told every day, you can appreciate the layers of the characters and Pugh's great artistic ability to make us experience these types of emotions." Another glowing audience review read: "Wonderful, poetic, captivating. A rare movie that makes you think. Excellent acting keeps you in tension throughout the movie, great soundtrack." Someone else admitted they found it "initially a bit slow, but ultimately engrossing and rewarding".
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix hidden gem period drama hailed as 'rare film' starring huge A-list actress
The Wonder, which is streaming on Netflix now, saw Florence Pugh take on the lead role of a nurse who is sent to investigate a young girl in a rural Irish village The 2022 period psychological drama directed by Sebastián Lelio, entitled The Wonder, has captivated audiences and prompted a film critic to hail it as "entirely fresh and equally brilliant". This intriguing movie is available for viewing on Netflix and takes inspiration from Emma Donoghue's 2016 novel of the same name. Donoghue herself contributed to the film's screenplay in collaboration with both Lelio and Alice Birch. Set against the backdrop of post-Great Famine Ireland in 1862, The Wonder delves into the enigmatic tale surrounding English nurse Lib Wright, brought to life by Florence Pugh's hauntingly authentic performance, alongside the character Anna O'Donnell ('Nan'), played by newcomer Kíla Lord Cassidy. Wright finds herself dispatched to a devout and insular Irish community to scrutinise a young girl who mysteriously persists in living despite claiming to have fasted for months, sustained only by divine intervention. While the narrative is fictional, it's rooted in the grim reality of a peculiar wave of cases during the 19th century in famine-ravaged Ireland, involving 'fasting girls' – a term for those who reputedly survived on heavenly nourishment called 'manna', abstaining from food for extensive periods. Florence Pugh, an Academy Award nominee, heads up the impressive cast of The Wonder which includes the young talent Kíla Lord Cassidy, and features Tom Burke, Elaine Cassidy, Niamh Algar, Brían F. O'Byrne, Dermot Crowley, and David Wilmot, reports Surrey Live. Filmed across Ireland during August and September 2021, 'The Wonder' initially graced the cinemas in a limited release in November 2022 and was subsequently brought to a wider audience on Netflix in the latter part of that month. The film earned itself a nomination for the Outstanding British Film award at the BAFTA Film Awards in 2023. In conversation with Screen Daily about her decision to collaborate with Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio for 'The Wonder', Pugh said: "It's been said many times by women who have worked with Sebastian that he has this fantastic ability to tell women's stories. It takes a pretty special person to (a), not be from the country that the film is about, and (b), not have proof of doing an era like this before and tell a very challenging female story." She further explained her approach to her character Lib, saying: "I wanted to play Lib in a very raw and natural way and he was 100% behind me. Then, of course, you get him on set and you see the crew is in love with him and everybody is so happy to be working on that job. I suppose it all trickles down from the top and he gave such an amazing example of how to lead a film." The film universally garnered praise from critics, with one writing: "Not every story can or should be a movie, despite Hollywood's insistence otherwise. Some should remain books. Some should remain silent. And some, such as this, provide a fresh reminder of the power of visual storytelling." One critic described the film as: "Equally haunting, heartbreaking and heartening, it's a narrative about narratives' ability to transform, destroy, resurrect, imprison, and liberate." Another critic said: "As the picture develops from a spooky Brontë romance into a pointed indictment of society, it takes aim at some familiar targets, but the dramatic impact is powerful." An additional reviewer added: "A film about the danger of believing without questioning that turns us into full-throated believers in whatever Lelio and Pugh can do." Praise was heaped on Pugh for her role, with one commendation reading: "It might have all been too weighty and metaphorical were it not for Pugh... She is the whole package. A wonder indeed." Viewers were equally taken by Pugh's performance; one commented: "It is a well-told story, far from the empty stories that we are always told every day, you can appreciate the layers of the characters and Pugh's great artistic ability to make us experience these types of emotions." Further acclaim came from an audience member who remarked: "Wonderful, poetic, captivating. A rare movie that makes you think. Excellent acting keeps you in tension throughout the movie, great soundtrack." While one viewer titled the film "a thrilling exorcism of beliefs", another shared that the film was "initially a bit slow, but ultimately engrossing and rewarding".
Egypt Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
A global focus on the Egyptian Media Hub at Cannes Film Festival
The designated space for the Egyptian Media Hub at the 78th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a state of vigor and vitality. It has become a meeting point for Egyptian content creators with their peers from across the globe, in addition to a number of diplomats concerned with getting a closer look at the Egyptian film industry. Among the most prominent visitors was Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, who tackled collaboration opportunities between Egypt and Indonesia. There were also a number of chairmans of international and Arab film festivals. The platform has received considerable attention from global media. Screen Daily and Variety have published extensive reports on the leading role of the platform. It represents a new initiative aiming at supporting a promising generation of Egyptian filmmakers and promoting Egypt's presence in the global market, through the provision of production, filming, editing, and visual effects services. Furthermore, Associated Press noted that the Egyptian Media Hub is regarded as the first platform designated to present Egyptian cinema, tell local stories, and shed light on Egyptian culture. This initiative is led by Shahinaz El-Akkad, with the support of pioneering figures, with the aim of connecting Egyptian talents with global audiences. The mission of the platform is multifaceted; promoting international presence of Egyptian cinema, supporting the industry's growth on the global level, celebrating the industry's history and future, creating bridges of communication between veteran filmmakers and the new generation, fostering ties with global entertainment hubs, and presenting Egyptian and Arab culture in global forums, like the Cannes Film Festival. In this regard, the platform's founder, Shahinaz El-Akkad, stated, "I've attempted to unite a number of entities under a single umbrella to promote the global reach of Egyptian content beyond conventional limits, promote stories that reflect Egyptian community in its diversified dimensions, and shed light on the artistic and production potentials that Egypt offers worldwide". El-Akkad added, "Egyptian content is highly demanded in the region. Indeed, we aspire to expand further into Asian, African, and European markets in order to reach innovative openness and deep cultural collaboration. There are rich experiences and stories that haven't been released yet in a fascinating way on screens. Our objective is conveying culture and stories to a global audience, as well as highlighting Egypt as a promising cinematic destination on the global production map". Moreover, El-Akkad stressed that the Egyptian film industry, as the oldest in the region, deserves a platform which celebrates the creativity of its people to reach a global level. El-Akkad added, "Following our success in MIPCOM, as we represented over eight companies and received considerable attention, we are keen on continuing this journey in one of the most prominent film markets in the world in order to shed light on our beautiful culture and present it to a massive global audience". This year, the platform takes part in the Cannes Film Festival; the world's most prominent film festival, through a unique pavilion held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. 13 cinematic and entertainment entities from the public and private sectors, including production, distribution, writing, editing, and visual effects fields, took part in the event. Among the most prominent figures that participated in the event were: Shahinaz El-Akkad, Mohamed Hefzy, Ahmed Badawy, Aly El-Araby, Mohamed Abdul Wahab, Mariam Naoum, Hisham Fathy, Alaa Lashin, Adli Toma, Cédric Aoun, Marwa Abu Leila, and Nadine Abdel Ghaffar. It is noteworthy that this year's Cannes Festival market hosted over 15000 film professionals and included over 4000 films and projects from 140 countries across the world. This highlights the importance of the notable Egyptian presence as a new step towards further global interaction and shared creativity.
Egypt Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY continues to soar with glowing reviews following its Cannes premiere
Following its powerful world premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Un Certain Regard section, AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY by Egyptian director Morad Mostafa is earning widespread critical acclaim from international film critics and audiences alike. The film, which received a standing ovation and multiple sold-out screenings at Cannes, is now being hailed as a poignant and visually arresting debut feature that cements Mostafa's place as one of the most vital voices in contemporary Arab cinema. Critics have praised the film's emotional depth, political resonance, and standout performances. Allan Hunter of ScreenDaily described it as 'an involving human drama focusing on the plight of the vulnerable caught in a world that seeks to exploit them,' drawing comparisons to CITY OF GOD for its raw depiction of Cairo's underbelly and its 'feeling of a lawless frontier.' He also commended Mostafa's ability to weave a broader political narrative into the film's backdrop through 'background news bulletins and the ongoing gang wars.' Sara Clements of Next Best Picture lauded the film's lead, Buliana Simon, for her 'haunting performance,' noting that 'she communicates so much with her eyes alone that this could be a silent film, and we would be able to understand everything.' Clements also highlighted Mostafa's unique directorial voice, stating, 'Mostafa blends magical realism with naturalism and fantastical elements, transforming Aisha's quiet suffering into something almost mythic,' and called the film 'a quiet storm – a slow-burning, relentless elegy to the women who live in the margins and walk among us unseen.' Additionally, Egyptian critic Ahmed Shawky wrote in Fasla about the film's importance in the Egyptian cinematic landscape, stating that 'At a time when Egyptian filmmakers are imposing the highest levels of self-censorship on themselves — fearing bans on the one hand and the guillotine of public backlash on the other — a young artist has come along to disrupt this sickly, safe balance and throw a stone into stagnant waters. A bloody, violent stone named AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY.' The film's success at Cannes marks a significant milestone for Egyptian cinema, being the first Egyptian film selected for Un Certain Regard since Clash in 2016. With its compelling narrative, international co-production backing, and a creative team of acclaimed talents, AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY is poised to continue its festival journey with momentum and meaning. As the film continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike, AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY is not just a cinematic achievement — it's a powerful statement on identity, resilience, and the invisible lives that shape our cities. AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY follows the titular Aisha, a 26-year-old Sudanese caregiver living in a neighborhood in the heart of Cairo where she witnesses the tension between her fellow African migrants and other groups. Unwittingly, she becomes involved with an Egyptian gang that blackmails her into stealing her patients' keys so that they can rob them. A co-production between Egypt, France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Sudan, the film has garnered significant support, including grants from the Doha Film Institute, Cultural Resource Fund, El Gouna Film Festival, Locarno Academy, Cannes' Cinéfondation and La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde, and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole. It also notably swept a top award at Red Sea Lodge, five at Venice's Final Cut, as well as the Atlas Award at Marrakech International Film Festival. The creative team behind AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY features several returning faces from Mostafa's I PROMISE YOU PARADISE, including cinematographer Mostafa El Kashef, who also worked on last year's Cannes entry THE VILLAGE NEXT TO PARADISE, which also made its way to Toronto; production designer Eman Elelaby, who earned a FIPRESCI Prize for her work on FEATHERS; costume designer Nayera Eldahshoury; sound engineer Mostafa Shaban; and editor Mohamed Mamdouh. Produced by Sawsan Yusuf's Bonanza Films, the film is co-produced alongside Dora Bouchoucha and Lina Shaban of Tunisia's Nomadis Images, Sherif Fathy of Shift Studios, Ahmed Amer of A. A. Films, Faisal Baltayour from Cinewaves, May Odeh and Zorana Musikic of Mayana Films, Laura Nikolov of Coorigins, Abellelah Al Ahmary of Arabia Pictures, and associate producer Amjad Abu Alala. AISHA CAN'T FLY AWAY boasts a stellar cast, with Buliana Simon taking on the lead role of Aisha alongside Egyptian rapper Ziad Zaza — in his first feature-length appearance — Emad Ghoniem, and Mamdouh Saleh.
Egypt Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Viva Palestine: ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA triumphs at Cannes with Best Director Award
Palestinian cinema celebrates a landmark achievement as Tarzan and Arab Nasser's comedy-drama ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA claims the prestigious Best Director award at Cannes' Un Certain Regard section, where it world premiered to resounding applause, captivating audiences and critics alike. Commenting on this triumph, Palestinian twin directors Tarzan and Arab Nasser expressed their gratitude for the recognition and the support they received all the way through. Following its world premiere, the film garnered widespread acclaim from critics worldwide, with Clotilde Chinnici (Loud and Clear Reviews) describing it as "Necessary and remarkable, ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA is a beautifully shot and politically significant film, especially relevant today." Meanwhile, Jonathan Romney (Screen Daily) praised its impact, stating, "This taut, succinct film should win widespread attention following its bow in Un Certain Regard." Also, Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter described Once Upon a Time in Gaza as 'Small-scale yet broad in its implications, especially considering what's happened since October 7th,' highlighting how the film 'touchingly portrays characters doing their best in a place that grants them few options and even fewer opportunities.' This victory marks yet another milestone for the Nasser brothers at Cannes. Their short film CONDOM LEAD was selected for the Main Competition, while their debut feature DÉGRADÉ premiered at Cannes' Critics' Week. ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA is their second feature, following GAZA MON AMOUR, which world premiered in the Venice International Film Festival's Horizons Program and was Palestine's submission to the 2021 Academy Awards. ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA explores the gripping story of Yahya, a young student who forges a friendship with Osama, a charismatic restaurant owner with a big heart. Together, they begin peddling drugs while delivering falafel sandwiches, but they are soon forced to grapple with a corrupt cop and his oversized ego. An international co-production between France, Palestine, Germany, and Portugal with Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the film boasts a stellar cast that includes Nader Abd Alhay, who is known for his role as Sami in FARAH, which is streaming now on Netflix; Ramzi Maqdisi (GHOST HUNTING, awarded Best Documentary at the Berlinale), Majd Eid (Cannes Winning title HOLY SPIDER); DOP Christophe Graillot (RIDE ABOVE) and editor Sophie Reine, who won the Best Editing Award at the César Awards for her work in THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Directed by the Nasser Brothers from a screenplay co-written with Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand, ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA is produced by Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand from Les Films du Tambour and Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions. Additionally, the film was co-produced with Rise Studios (Amanda Turnbull and Ziad Srouji), Made in Palestine Project (Rashid Abdelhamid), Red Balloon Film (Dorothe Benemeier), Riva Filmproduktion (Mickael Eckelt and Lena Zimmerhackel), Ukbar Filmes (Pandora Da Cunha Telles and Pablo Iraola), and executive produced by Jordan Pioneers Multi Media & Slate Films Services (Khaled Haddad) in association with A. A. Films (Ahmed Amer), Cocoon Films (Sawsan Asfari), Radio e Televisao De Portugal, and Kometa (Edyta Janczak-Hiriart). MAD Distribution manages the film's distribution and sales across the Arab world, The Party Film Sales oversees international sales, while Dulac Distribution handles the French distribution rights. Throughout its production phases, the film received support from prestigious institutions, including Aide aux Cinémas du Monde - CNC, Eurimages, Moin Film Fund Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein, Fundo CNC-Ica De Apoio A Coproducao Franco-Portuguesa, the Doha Film Institute, the Royal Film Commission's Jordan Film Fund, and Ciclic And Région Centre-Val De Loire.
