Wander
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 4, 2020
Genre
Thriller, Mystery
Cast & Crew
- Aaron Eckhart as Arthur Bretnik
- Tommy Lee Jones as Jimmy Cleats
- Katheryn Winnick as Elsa Viceroy
- Heather Graham as Shelley Luscomb
- Raymond Cruz as Sheriff Luis Santiago
- Brendan Fehr as Nick Cassidy
- Roger Dorman as Victor Canton
Director
April Mullen
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Below Her Mouth (2016)
- 88 (2015)
- Dead Before Dawn 3D (2012)
- Farhope Tower (2015)
Producer
Tim Doiron
Andre Relis
Chad A. Verdi
Writer
Tim Doiron
Budget
N/A
Production Company
Wander Productions
Verdi Productions
Saban Films
Running Time
94 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Language
- Themes of conspiracy
- Psychological distress
Movie Story
“Wander” is a tense, paranoia-fueled thriller that delves into the world of conspiracy theories and mental illness. The film follows Arthur Bretnik (Aaron Eckhart), a private investigator and conspiracy theorist who is still grappling with the traumatic death of his daughter. Arthur’s life takes a dark turn when he is hired to investigate a suspicious death in the small town of Wander, a case that eerily mirrors the circumstances of his daughter’s death.
Arthur is drawn into a web of mystery and danger as he uncovers evidence that suggests a vast and sinister conspiracy involving mind control, government cover-ups, and murder. His investigation leads him to suspect that the town of Wander is at the center of a massive conspiracy that targets unsuspecting individuals for nefarious experiments. As Arthur delves deeper, his own mental state begins to deteriorate, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.
The narrative is driven by Arthur’s obsession with uncovering the truth, even as those around him—including his friend and fellow conspiracy theorist Jimmy Cleats (Tommy Lee Jones)—begin to doubt his sanity. The film explores themes of trust, trauma, and the dangers of believing too deeply in one’s own perceptions. Arthur’s quest for answers puts him at odds with powerful forces that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.
“Wander” combines elements of psychological thriller and mystery, keeping viewers on edge as the plot twists and turns. The film’s unsettling atmosphere is heightened by its desolate setting in the remote town of Wander, where danger seems to lurk around every corner. The story builds to a climactic revelation that forces Arthur—and the audience—to question what is real and what is merely the product of a disturbed mind.
Special Effects
The film utilizes practical effects to create its gritty and tense atmosphere. The visual style, including the use of stark, moody lighting and desolate landscapes, enhances the film’s sense of paranoia and impending doom.
Box Office Performance
“Wander” had a limited theatrical release and was made available on digital and on-demand platforms. While it did not achieve significant box office success, it garnered attention for its intense performances, particularly by Aaron Eckhart, and its engaging, though divisive, plot.
Filming Locations
- Carrizozo, New Mexico, USA
- Ruidoso, New Mexico, USA
Notable Quotes
- “The truth is out there, but sometimes, it’s buried so deep, it’ll drive you mad just trying to find it.” – Arthur Bretnik
- “You start digging for the truth, and eventually, you find out more than you ever wanted to know.” – Jimmy Cleats
- “What if everything you think is wrong… is right?” – Elsa Viceroy
Behind-the-Scenes
- The film was shot in New Mexico, taking advantage of the state’s remote and eerie landscapes to create the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
- Aaron Eckhart prepared for his role by studying the psychology of conspiracy theorists and individuals suffering from PTSD, bringing a nuanced portrayal to the character of Arthur Bretnik.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“Wander” is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that delves deep into the unsettling world of conspiracies and psychological trauma. Aaron Eckhart delivers a powerful performance as a man teetering on the edge of sanity, making the film an intense and engaging watch. While the film’s plot may leave some viewers questioning its plausibility, its exploration of paranoia and the fine line between reality and delusion is both timely and relevant. “Wander” is recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries with a dark, twisted edge.
IMDb Rating
5.0/10