Wonderwell
Directed byVlad Marsavin
Based on"Drainhole Dreaming" by William Brookfield
Produced byFred Roos

Alexander Roos
Vlad Marsavin
Robert Bernacki
Orian Williams

Lee Rudnicki
StarringCarrie Fisher

Rita Ora
Kiera Milward
Nell Tiger Free
Sebastian Croft
Vincent Spano
Megan Dodds
Lloyd Owen

Niccolo Besio
CinematographyKenji Katori
Music byWilliam Ross
Angelo Badalamenti
Distributed byVertical Entertainment (USA, Great Britain, Ireland and Canada)​
Epic Pictures Group (worldwide)
Release date
2023
Running time
96 min
CountriesUnited States USA
Italy Italy
LanguageEnglish

Wonderwell is an Italian-American fantasy movie directed by Vlad Marsavin, produced by Fred Roos, and based on the short story Drainhole Dreaming by William Brookfield. The movie stars Carrie Fisher, Rita Ora, Kiera Milward, and Nell Tiger Free.

Synopsis

At 12 years old, Violet (Kiera Milward) lives in Italy with her parents (Lloyd Owen and Megan Dodds), and her beautiful older sister Savannah (Nell Tiger Free). When Savannah is selected to be the face of world- renowned designer Yana’s (Rita Ora) fashion label, the family travels to an enchanting medieval village for her first photo shoot. Neglected and bored, Violet wanders from the ancient Tuscan town into a nearby forest where she meets the enigmatic Hazel (Carrie Fisher), who may be the fabled witch of the woods Violet was warned about by Yana’s beleaguered stepson, Daniele (Sebastian Croft). Guided by Hazel to a mysterious portal, Violet is offered a glimpse of what her future might hold, but like the transition from childhood to womanhood, it may be a journey of no return.

Starring

Production

Principal photography took place in Tuscany and in Cinecittà in Rome, Italy between October 2016 and February 2017. Veteran producer Fred Roos, known for his lifelong collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola, brought Fisher and Ora, and a number of the key creative team to the project. Carrie Fisher, who passed away in late 2016[1][2], just six weeks after wrapping her scenes, leads the cast alongside British singer and actress Rita Ora[3], and newcomer Kiera Milward.[4]

The film’s music score was created by William Ross and it was performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. The late Angelo Badalamenti, known for his collaborations with David Lynch on projects including Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive, composed the ‘Violet’s theme’ in the movie.

Due to interruptions with film funding, post-production was extended until early 2020, and then, due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, all the works on the almost finished picture were suspended for several months.

On June 14, 2023, Deadline Hollywood published an announcement of the movie's long-awaited release, and on June 16, 2023 it published the official theatrical poster and the first official trailer of the film.

The picture had a limited theatrical release in the U.S. through Vertical Entertainment  and also appeared on major online platforms in the USA, UK, Canada, and Ireland on June 23, 2023.

Reception

The release of the last Carrie Fisher movie was welcomed with enthusiasm by both fans of the Star Wars icon, and by fans of the fantasy genre.[5]

Mike Haberfelner called Wonderwell “a visually stunning film, full of impressive set designs”, “a mix of coming-of-age story, dark fairy tale and thriller, in which well fleshed-out characters are embodied by a relatable ensemble cast, making this a pretty cool and pretty unusual ride.”[6]

References

  1. ^ "Carrie Fisher's 'magical' final film gets release date 7 years after death". 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  2. ^ "Carrie Fisher's last movie, 'Wonderwell,' finally has a release date — and it's coming soon". Los Angeles Times. 2023-06-16. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  3. ^ "Rita Ora on Acting with the Late Carrie Fisher in Her Final Film: I'll 'Cherish the Experience Forever' (Exclusive)". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  4. ^ "Wonderwell star Kiera Milward - Exclusive Interview". Flickering Myth. 2023-07-07. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  5. ^ "Carrie Fisher's Last Film 'Wonderwell' Is Finally Getting Released After A "Perilous" Seven-Year Journey; Rita Ora Co-Stars In Fantasy Movie Produced By Francis Ford Coppola Collaborator Fred Roos". Deadline. 2023-06-14. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
  6. ^ "Wonderwell review". www.searchmytrash.com. Retrieved 2023-11-10.