Ben Affleck has made himself a bit of an easy target for acting jibes after the atrocity that was Daredevil, but it looks like it might be possible for a reprieve with the upcoming latest Terrence Malick film, To the Wonder. With the critical acclaim of Malick’s previous movies, Tree of Life and Badlands, Affleck might have gotten on board with a film that could make up a little for the red mess of 2003.
To the Wonder is a story of fractured love, as Neil (Affleck) finds himself in the grip of romantic indecision when an old love returns to his life. With his life on track with Marina, played by Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace), who moves from Europe to be with Neil, things get turned upside down when he’s reunited with Jane, played by Rachel McAdams (Midnight in Paris), an ex from his home town.
It’s all underpinned by more internal crisis with Father Quintana, who looks like the linchpin in the weight of the film with what appears to be another brilliant performance from Javier Bardem (Skyfall). He begins to question his own faith with the horrors of life bringing only sadness and misery.
To the Wonder is set for release on the 22nd February 2013 and with stunning cinematography, a gripping storyline, great set design and lighting, the only real question mark sits on Ben Affleck’s shoulders. However, so long as he doesn’t get into any fabricated fights with women on seesaws it could be alright.
Themes of love, faith, loyalty and temptation are all wrapped up in the storyline of the movie, making it another deep thinker from Malick.
