Wonderstruck

Directed by Todd Haynes and based on the bestselling novel by Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck is a breathtakingly beautiful, heartstring-tugging drama that takes audiences on an emotional journey through time.

The film beautifully intertwines the lives of two children, Ben and Rose, who live in different eras – one in the mid-1920s, the other in the late 1970s. They are both united by a mysterious connection that propels them on an enchanting quest. The exceptional young actor, Oakes Fegley, stars as Ben – a boy from Minnesota mourning the loss of his mother, played by Michelle Williams. After a sudden accident leaves him deaf, he discovers a clue to his father's identity and runs away to New York in search of him. Parallel to this is the story of Rose, exquisitely portrayed by newcomer Millicent Simmonds, a deaf girl who aspires for adventure and escapades from her strict father's house in New Jersey and journeys alone to New York searching for a silent film star idol, brought to life by Julianne Moore.

Intricately crafted on every level, Wonderstruck narrates both stories with a deft sensitivity that empathetically guides the audience through the displacement feelings of its characters. The original score harmoniously ebbs and flows in tune with the physical and emotional landscapes of the opposing timelines.

Director Todd Haynes beautifully crafts this film in such a way that it astonishingly transfigures the cinematic conventions to vividly capture the style and nuances of each era. The half of the movie set in the 1920s is rendered entirely in black-and-white to mimic the feel of a silent movie, reflecting the world as seen by the deaf Rose. Meanwhile, the 1970s are shown in gritty, but vibrant color, paralleling Ben's journey.

Visually stunning at every turn, the film doesn't rely on dialogue to convey its heartfelt story. Haynes upholds the poignant silences, further amplifying the characters' emotions through the brilliant use of visual storytelling and a mesmerizing score by Carter Burwell. Each scene is meticulously designed, merging the innovative elements of puppetry, silent cinema, sound and set design, and stop-motion animation. Cinematographer Edward Lachman does a stunning job capturing the awe-inspiring visuals, while Mark Friedman along with Brian Selznick offers a tight screenplay that immerses you wholly in its miraculous world.

More than just enchanting, the casting is perfect, with the actors embodying their roles wonderfully. Oakes Fegley, as Ben, puts in a performance that showcases range far beyond his young years. Newcomer Millicent Simmonds, who is deaf in real life, is equally impressive, giving a heartrending performance as Rose, while Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams leave lasting impressions in their respective roles. The way the cast interacts is a highlight, contributing to the film’s special allure.

Julianne Moore delivers yet another brilliantly captivating performance. Her dual role, first appearing as silent film star Lillian Mayhew fodder for Rose's fascination, then later as an elderly Rose herself, showcases her wide range. Moore's absorbing portrayal of an aging silent film star grappling with her past and present is truly moving. Young Simmonds, a revelation in her feature film debut, plays Rose with such innocence and resilience that it's impossible not to be touched by her character.

Wonderstruck flits seamlessly between past and present, building a rhythmic cadence of movements and moments. The resulting film effuses a delicacy, and a resonant emotional undercurrent that carries the audience from one era to the next. The film seems not just to be about two children pursuing their self-identities, but also about the broader theme of change – change of time, of medium, and of the human self.

Ready to whisk its viewers on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, Wonderstruck is a complex intergenerational tale that serves as a powerful tribute to the magic of silent cinema, and a testament to the enduring power of connection. Resulting in a beautifully layered, visually stirring work of art, the film crescendos in an awe-inspiring climax in the hallowed halls of the American Museum of Natural History, which adds a glorious final touch to this fascinating cinematic work.

In its searing commitment to show the world as seen by its young protagonists – with all its awe and wonder, its confusions and revelations – Wonderstruck truly lives up to its name. It is a wonder, a film that lives on with you long after its last visual and auditory echo has subsided.