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‘Alas Blancas,’ the latest installment in the ‘Wonder’ franchise, is set to premiere exclusively in theaters on October 4th in our country.
In 2017, the film Wonder made its debut, drawing inspiration from the literary works of American author R.J. Palacio. The film touched the hearts of many as it delved into the poignant story of a boy with a facial deformity who underwent 27 surgeries and faced the challenges of acceptance in a new school. The film featured a star-studded cast, including Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay, and garnered high praise from film critics, being recognized as a “heartfelt and entertaining tribute to friendship.”
What to Expect from ‘Alas Blancas’
Now, seven years later, we find ourselves anticipating a fresh adaptation within the same literary universe, aptly titled Alas Blancas (White Bird: A Wonder Story). This film tells a new tale that intertwines two different timelines: the present day and the harrowing days of World War II amidst the rise of Nazism.
Plot Overview of ‘Alas Blancas’
In this stirring narrative, Julian faces expulsion from school for bullying the young Auggie Pullman. To encourage Julian to mature and rethink his behavior, his grandmother, portrayed by the incredible Helen Mirren, shares her own story from her youth in Nazi-occupied France, where a courageous boy saved her life at great personal risk. Simultaneously, both the young boy and his grandmother navigate their first experiences of love during her adolescent years. As the tale unfolds, Julian’s mother, played by Gillian Anderson, desperately strives to protect her son and guide him back to the right path.
Critical Reception and Director’s Vision
As of now, early reviews of this film are limited, but those that have surfaced, including one from Variety, are positive. They note that even though certain aspects of the narrative may come off as overly simplistic, “the director’s clever skill delivers a beautifully crafted outcome that elicits the intended poignant and inspirational notes without overstating them.” The film is helmed by the acclaimed Swiss-German director Marc Foster, known for his breakout film, ‘Monster’s Ball.’
Emotional Impact of ‘Alas Blancas’
This new entry in the Wonder saga shifts focus onto Julian, played by Bryce Gheisar. Viewers are advised to keep tissues on hand, as this film is likely to evoke tears. A journalist from Digitech recounted his emotional response during an interview with the director, expressing that he left the screening with tears streaming down his face. The director responded, “I’m glad the film moved you. I felt the same way when I read the script, almost brought me to tears. That’s why I was so eager to create ‘Alas Blancas.’ My hope is to touch people’s hearts, particularly the youth. While crafting a love story can often lead to sentimentality, the film also embodies a fairy tale essence that contrasts sharply with the brutality of World War II and the Holocaust.”
Alas Blancas is set to light up theaters this upcoming Friday, October 4th, and promises to be one of the finest options for a family outing.
