Wonderstruck [Ultra HD]

Wonderstruck is a beautiful intersection of two compelling narratives set in two different time periods, delivered to the audience in vibrant Ultra High Definition (UHD). Released in 2017, this American drama film boasts an array of astonishingly expressive actors, led by Golden Globe winner Julianne Moore and young actor Oakes Fegley.

The movie, directed by Todd Haynes and based on Brian Selznick's critically acclaimed novel, tells two parables about two children from different eras embarking on transformative quests. One story unfolds in 1927, where we meet Rose, portrayed by young actress Millicent Simmonds in her breakthrough film role. Rose, a deaf girl from Hoboken, New Jersey, is yearning for an exciting adventure. With a mother who seems more interested in the silver screen than in her own child, and her steadfast passion for a silent film star, Lillian Mayhew (played by Julianne Moore), her longing leads her on a journey to New York City. She dreams of a life beyond her solitude and explores the world with curiosity, despite her disability.

Cut to fifty years later, we pivot to 1977's Gunflint, Minnesota, where another narrative unfolds. A 12-year-old boy, Ben, portrayed by Oakes Fegley, finds himself on a quest of his own. After the sudden tragedy of losing his mother, he discovers a puzzling note that hints at knowing his father - a figure shrouded in mystery. A sudden stroke of destiny leaves him deaf, creating a parallel disability that amicably links his world to Rose's. Mesmerized by the enigma and thirst for something to hold onto from his mother's past, Ben, too, sets off to New York City.

Meanwhile in New York, the two stories intertwine, each exploring the vibrant cityscape with varying perspectives – the bustling and sparkling city of the 1970s against the relatively calm and black & white backdrop of the late 1920s. The divergence and commonality of their individual journeys are shown as they both seek out what they are missing in their lives. They seek solace, understanding, and connections itself made more profound by their shared deafness.

Embracing its title, Wonderstruck lives up to the name - it is indeed filled with wonders. This film draws spectators into an emotional journey told differently – half presented as a silent film as a profound homage to its deaf characters, while the other half pounces out of the frame with the hustle of '70s New York.

Unraveling two parallel storylines, Wonderstruck makes use of a tapestry of striking visual storytelling, fragile emotions, and the silence of the characters to deliver a heartwarming narrative. Displayed in Ultra HD, it allows the audience a real, immersive experience of the tale, capturing the nuances of the actor’s performances and delivering an array of vibrant, captivating visuals.

Moore's eye-catching dual performance is captivating, as she captures the character of Lillian Mayhew and a mysterious woman that Ben encounters during his quest. Simmonds, a deaf actress herself, delivers a gripping portrayal of a young deaf girl that resonates with authenticity. Oakes Fegley does an astonishing job, presenting the audience with a character that is filled with frustration, determination, and raw emotion.

The direction by Haynes is exceptional, creating an on-screen delight in each frame by providing a beautifully detailed panorama of two different eras. He uses the power of silence effectively to show nuanced emotions of the characters, making the film all the more realistic and heartfelt.

The movie is an exploration of cultures of different periods and the remarkable journeys of two souls in trying to find a sense of identity and longing. Wonderstruck, focusing much on visual spectacle, with the stunning UHD presentation driving the narrative, is almost like a romantic letter to the city of New York in two different eras.

Conclusively, Wonderstruck is a splendid tapestry of beautiful performances, intriguing storytelling, and stunning visuals. All of these elements are bound together by the powerful direction of Todd Haynes. With its mix of nostalgia, raw emotion, and a swelling sense of exploration and discovery, the movie presents a well-crafted narrative of parallel journeys, making it captivating and engaging for audience members of all ages.