Summary: We're still a long way from being able to call director Terrence Malick 'prolific', but "To The Wonder" follows his previous movie, "The Tree Of Life", by just over a year. Considering a six year gap was once considered quick by Malick's exacting standards, his speed up of output is both surprising and welcome.
Especially when the film in question is of the ilk of "To The Wonder". Featuring an ensemble cast that boasts Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Javier Bardem and Olga Kurylenko, the film is packed with the visual beauty that Malick has an enviable talent for bringing to the screen. The story centres on a couple, played by Affleck and Kurylenko, who meet in Europe and move to America. But their relationship is challenged by the interest of and in others, and Malick uses that as a springboard to explore the many flavours of love.
If not quite at the level of "The Tree Of Life", there's still lots of interest in "To The Wonder", which is a quietly ambitious and absorbing piece of cinema. In truth, the story never really hooks in quite the same way as the director's other films, but there's little chance of you being shortchanged by the feature. The disc release too features a worthwhile making of, which gives you a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a Terrence Malick movie. Recommended. --"Jon Foster"
To The Wonder
(2013)
USA
