The movie often referred to as "the starving girl movie" is The Wonder (2022). This acclaimed psychological drama is set in a desolate yet captivating historical period and centers on the mysterious case of a young girl who claims to survive without eating.
About The Wonder
The Wonder delves into a compelling narrative based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Emma Donoghue. The film unfolds in the Irish Midlands, shortly after the devastating Great Famine, a time ripe with superstition and fervent belief alongside scientific skepticism.
Key Aspects of the Film:
- Plot: The story follows Lib Wright, an English nurse, played by Florence Pugh, who is sent to a remote, rural Irish village. Her mission is to observe a young 'fasting girl,' Anna O'Donnell, who has seemingly managed to survive for months without any sustenance, leading many to believe it's a miracle. Lib is tasked with determining if Anna's claim is genuine or if there's a more sinister explanation behind her inexplicable survival.
- Setting: The post-Great Famine backdrop is crucial, as it highlights the desperation and the search for hope or divine intervention in a society still reeling from immense suffering. The village's isolation amplifies the tension and the clash between faith and reason.
- Themes: The film explores profound themes such as religious extremism, the power of belief, the ethics of medical observation, the nature of truth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It questions what it truly means to survive and the sacrifices people make for their beliefs or their loved ones.
Cast and Crew Highlights
The film features a strong ensemble cast and is brought to life by a notable director.
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Lib Wright | Florence Pugh |
| Will Byrne | Tom Burke |
| Kitty O'Donnell | Niamh Algar |
| Rosaleen O'Donnell | Elaine Cassidy |
| Father Thaddeus | Dermot Crowley |
| Séan O'Donnell | Brían F. O'Byrne |
| Directed by | Sebastián Lelio |
Why It's Called "The Starving Girl Movie"
The moniker "the starving girl movie" directly refers to the central mystery of the film: the young girl, Anna, who appears to be starving yet miraculously alive without food. This phenomenon is often historically referred to as "fasting girls" or "Anorexia Mirabilis," where individuals, often young women, claimed to live without food, sometimes interpreted as a sign of spiritual devotion or a miracle. The Wonder critically examines this historical phenomenon through a fictional lens, providing a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.
For more information, you can visit the Wikipedia page for The Wonder (film).
