Wander

Wander is a gritty, engaging thriller with elements of mystery and suspense that was released in 2020. It stars seasoned actors Aaron Eckhart, Tommy Lee Jones, and Katheryn Winnick who all bring their A-game in delivering powerful performances that keep the viewers hooked from start to finish.

In the movie, Eckhart plays Arthur Bretnik, a mentally unstable private investigator who is grappling with his troubled past. Arthur is living a quiet life in a desolate desert town, working as a conspiracy theorist radio host while also working as a PI on the side. This perfectly suits his recurring paranoia and his struggle to deal with a personal tragedy, the details of which unfold as the plot thickens. Eckhart's portrayal of Arthur is supplemented by his compelling performance of a man battling his demons, providing the right amount of intensity to his character.

Following a lead to a case, Arthur becomes convinced of a grand conspiracy at work, something bigger and more nefarious that is plaguing the town of Wander. As he delves deeper into solving the case, he finds connections to his own tragic past. These connections are distressing for Arthur, and it raises the question if he is just being paranoid or if there's truly a conspiracy playing out behind the scenes.

Tommy Lee Jones plays a crucial role as Jimmy Cleats, Arthur’s friend, and confidant. Cleats being a former military man and someone who Arthur served with earlier is a voice of reason in Arthur’s life. He offers a counter-perspective fueled by skepticism, grounding the narrative by questioning the validity of the grand conspiracy and doubting whether Arthur's theories are truth or simply the unraveling of his mental health.

Katheryn Winnick plays Shelley Luscomb, an attorney and friend of Arthur who hires him for a seemingly straightforward job. Her character acts as another source of reality-check and perceived normalcy amidst the chaos that Arthur routinely finds himself embroiled in.

Apart from the thrilling main plot, the film also offers a subtle commentary on the social-political climate and the stark realities of the American landscapes. The cinematography is noteworthy and incorporates the breathtaking yet grim expanse of the New Mexico desert, which complements the gritty, foreboding nature of the story.

Moreover, the film's pacing keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, gradually revealing the truth behind the supposed conspiracy and/or Arthur's deteriorating mental health. The unraveling of the story is tied closely with Eckhart's portrayal of Arthur, whose increasing obsession with the case can be felt with intense palpability.

‘Wander’ explores themes of tragedy, personal grief, mental health, and paranoia with a chilling narrative that keeps the suspense high and viewers guessing till the end. Director, April Mullen, does a commendable job of beautifully intertwining the elements of drama, action, and suspense, all while keeping the narrative anchored in the stark realities of its central character.

The film treats the suspense with commendable mystery, forcing viewers to question everything they know about Arthur and the world around him. Is there really a grand conspiracy being orchestrated or is it all just a manifestation of Arthur's deteriorating mental state? 'Wander' teases this question right till the end, making it a thrilling and suspenseful ride.

Overall, 'Wander' promises an engrossing viewing experience that combines elements of thriller and drama, presented against the stunning but desolate desert backdrop. With powerful performances, unexpected plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, 'Wander' offers a thrilling journey of mystery and suspense that'll keep viewers engaged till the very end.