Wonder Wheel (2017) is a drama directed by Woody Allen, set in the 1950s amidst the vibrant, nostalgic backdrop of Coney Island. The film stars Kate Winslet, Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, and Jim Belushi. It centers around a love triangle that exposes secrets and buried emotions, ultimately leading to turmoil and tragedy.

Plot Overview

The story is narrated by Mickey Rubin (Justin Timberlake), a lifeguard and aspiring playwright. It revolves around Ginny (Kate Winslet), a former actress now working as a waitress at a clam house, who is trapped in a loveless marriage with her husband, Humpty (Jim Belushi), a carousel operator with a drinking problem. Ginny feels deeply dissatisfied with her life and longs for an escape.

Ginny’s life changes when she begins an affair with Mickey, finding solace and excitement in his attention. The arrival of Humpty’s estranged daughter, Carolina (Juno Temple), complicates things further. Carolina is on the run from her gangster husband and seeks refuge with her father. Tensions rise when Mickey takes an interest in Carolina, leading Ginny to spiral into jealousy and desperation. The love triangle grows increasingly intense, revealing Ginny’s emotional instability and her struggle between reality and her dreams.

Themes and Style

Wonder Wheel explores themes of unfulfilled dreams, jealousy, and the consequences of infidelity and betrayal. It captures the complex web of emotions, such as jealousy and loneliness, that often accompany romantic entanglements and unmet ambitions. Ginny’s plight illustrates how people, yearning for escape and fulfillment, can be trapped by their choices and circumstances.

The film’s style, courtesy of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, is vibrant and visually rich, with lighting that mirrors the characters’ emotions. The color palette shifts from warm tones to colder shades, creating a dynamic visual atmosphere that reflects Ginny’s internal state. Storaro’s cinematography captures the beauty of Coney Island while juxtaposing it with the darker undertones of the story, evoking both nostalgia and sadness.

Performances

Kate Winslet delivers a powerful and layered performance as Ginny, portraying her character’s vulnerability, anger, and desperation. Winslet captures the nuances of Ginny’s emotional turmoil, making her both sympathetic and tragically flawed. Jim Belushi brings depth to Humpty, balancing his rough exterior with moments of warmth and regret.

Justin Timberlake’s portrayal of Mickey adds a degree of charm and idealism, while Juno Temple’s Carolina is innocent yet aware, creating a stark contrast with Ginny’s character. Together, the cast brings out the intricacies of their tangled relationships and emotional conflicts.

Reception

Wonder Wheel received mixed reviews from critics. While Winslet’s performance and Storaro’s cinematography were widely praised, some critics found the plot to be melodramatic and the characters unsympathetic. Winslet’s portrayal of Ginny, in particular, was highlighted as a standout, with many noting that she brought depth and humanity to a character caught in a cycle of self-destruction.

The film’s exploration of mid-century Americana and the setting of Coney Island were appreciated for their nostalgic charm, though the film’s pacing and story structure received criticism from some reviewers.

Overall Impression

Wonder Wheel is a visually striking, character-driven drama that delves into the lives of flawed individuals seeking love and purpose amid the harsh realities of their lives. It’s a tale of heartbreak, jealousy, and longing, set against the colorful yet melancholic backdrop of Coney Island. For those who enjoy character studies and richly atmospheric films, Wonder Wheel offers an intense and tragic glimpse into the lives of people yearning for a different reality.