"Wander Darkly" Film Review

This year we all have been wondering in the darkness of getting through a pandemic, uncertainty and fear. The journey has not been easy but I believe what will get us through it are faith, hope and love. In that same manner, the recent film Wander Darkly, explores the darkness of the human mind filled with fear, jealousy, anger and loss. Even though the film is about romantic love and loss, while finding it through pain and darkness, I can see many of its concepts relate to today's new norm we all live in.

The concept of the film revolves around a traumatic accident, which leaves an unmarried couple, Adrienne (Sienna Miller) and Matteo (Diego Luna), in a surreal state of being that takes them on a disorienting journey through the duality of their shared moments.  By reliving memories from the beginning of their romantic journey while navigating the overwhelming truths of their present, they must rediscover the love that truly binds them together. It is an emotionally moving story about a couple who must reflect on their past in order to face their uncertain future. The film is written and directed by Tara Miele.

  

I found myself crying by the end of the film. The superb acting, familiar concept of loss and love, the trauma, and hope that revolve as occurring themes throughout the movie, can leave you on a roller coaster ride full of emotions. I believe that the film has come out at the right time when all of us are in our own journey in finding the light at the end of this dark tunnel. I couldn't help but empathize with the main characters, especially Adrienne who as a woman, girlfriend and mother represents so many of us and our own life struggles. 

What I also found fascinating about the film was the setting and the decor, intentionally chosen to be part of the story. Each element, whether a table, a chair or curtains, had a meaning and was a part of the character's story, providing an answer in solving the puzzle of the complexity of the characters. 

After speaking with Set Decorator Adrienne Garcia at the CherryPicks Roundtable Online Discussion, I found out that she worked really hard to dive in the psychic of the main characters and make sure that each element gave out a clue to their culture, feelings, believes and backstory. The cinematography is done in a way that follows the "unreliable narrator's" mind in a precise way as if we follow her quest for the truth amidst uncertainty, lack of clarity and blurred vision. So watch out for those set decor clues when you attempt to figure out the mystery in the film. It is a spiritual journey that ends in a hopeful way. 

CherryPicks Roundtable Discussion with Set Decorator Adrienne Garcia

The message that I took away from the film was "Love One Another" and "Forgive" because you never know when a loved one can be taken away from you unexpectedly. Wander Darkly is available In Select Theaters and On Demand starting December 11. 

SCORE: 5 out of 5

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