The Wonders (2014)

In the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Gelsomina, a resolute twelve-year-old girl, reigns over her intriguingly unconventional family. As the eldest of four sisters, she shoulders the responsibility of keeping her family's intricate and secluded world hidden from prying eyes. Their idyllic isolation is punctuated by the buzzing of bees, a symphony that underscores their unique livelihood - beekeeping. Gelsomina is the cornerstone of this operation, her extraordinary talent endearing her to the bees and making her the unspoken queen of their peculiar kingdom, a kingdom crafted by her foreign father, Wolfgang. Their life, however, is anything but conventional. Bound by eccentric rules and rituals, this tight-knit family's existence is threatened by the encroaching modern world. Wolfgang, a man of tradition, struggles to reconcile with the new European laws that could jeopardize their honey production. Their isolation is further shattered when a delinquent German boy, Martin, arrives from a rehabilitation exchange program. Martin's silent presence stirs a turmoil within the family, as Wolfgang tries to mold him into the son he never had, creating an unspoken rivalry with Gelsomina. Meanwhile, Gelsomina is captivated by a different kind of outsider - the dazzling allure of a reality TV show competition that promises a cash prize and a luxury cruise for the Most Traditional Family. Despite Wolfgang's stern disapproval, Gelsomina's determination doesn't falter. She is drawn to the charismatic hostess, the good fairy Milly Catena, and yearns to participate in the contest, further straining the already tenuous bonds of their family. As the summer unfurls, the family finds themselves in a whirlwind of change, testing the strength of their rules and the bonds that hold them together. This extraordinary season promises to leave a lasting impact on Gelsomina and her family, marking the end of an era and the start of an uncertain future. Amidst the changing rural landscape and the threat of their beekeeping business' dissolution, they grapple with their place in an evolving world. One thing is certain - their lives will never be the same after this transformative summer.

The Wonders is a drama movie featuring Maria Alexandra Lungu and directed by Alice Rohrwacher.

The Wonders is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel, Hoopla, MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel and OVID.

It is also possible to buy The Wonders on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.