AFI FEST 2020 | Strong Performances And A Fantastic Score Make The Surreal Experience Of "Wander Darkly" One To Remember

October 23, 2020 Thomas Stoneham-Judge

11/12 ForReel Score | 4.5/5 Stars

I’m a sucker for time-bending retrospective narratives. The 2019 Amazon Original Series Undone was an absolutely mystifying example of this type of storytelling. Wander Darkly, a new romantic drama from director Tara Miele, employs that same spellbinding style of time-warping storytelling to demonstrate the complexities of a couple’s relationship. The choice to tell this story in this way combined with stellar performances from the film’s leading duo makes Wander Darkly quite the noteworthy film experience.

As the synopsis describes, a traumatic accident leaves 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. The highs and lows of their relationship makes for an emotional journey told in an unique way. And the more layers that are revealed about Adrienne and Matteo as individuals and as a couple, the more fascinating this poignant story becomes.

The details matter in this film that explores critical events in the history of Adrienne and Matteo’s tumultuous relationship. It’s a film where seemingly inconsequential information plays a role elsewhere in the narrative. Even the tattoo on the inside of Matteo’s forearm shows up inconspicuously at a significant point in the film’s conclusion. Wander Darkly is a riveting experience the first time through, but this attention to detail makes the film just as engaging upon multiple viewings.

And the score is absolutely outstanding. A spirited blend of piano and strings, similar to what was produced for Undone, perfectly captures the surreal nature of the film. Sometimes haunting, sometimes beautiful, but always sharp and on point for this presentation, Alex Weston (composer for The Farewell) crafts a marvelous score in Wander Darkly that’s prime for leading audiences through this mesmerizing journey.

Endings can make or break a story, and unfortunately, the finale in Wander Darkly doesn’t quite play out as dynamically as I had expected. But that doesn’t mean the conclusion isn’t an emotionally stirring segment of the film. Rousing performances from Sienna Miller and Diego Luna amasses a mighty reserve of potent emotional value that pays off in the final moments of the movie.

Wander Darkly is one of the most captivating films of the year. It’s a production that subverts expectations to deliver a powerful and moving story. Wander Darkly might not be for everyone, but it’s hard to deny how magnificently crafted the narrative is leading up to its climax. If you enjoy that, you’ll likely love this movie. Like how the characters revisit their experiences with each other, Wander Darkly is a film I’ll eagerly revisit as well.