In the digital playground of grief management, the Korean movie “Wonderland,” now streaming on Netflix, introduces a unique sci-fi premise: a service that allows people to continue video interactions with deceased loved ones through simulated calls. Upon entering this intriguing world, we meet Hae-ri (Jung Yu-mi), a dedicated employee of the Wonderland service. Early in the narrative, she receives a call from her parents, leaving viewers questioning whether this contact is real or just another simulated connection. The possibility that Hae-ri might be using the service herself sets an initial tone of curiosity and suspense.
While such moments of mystery stand out, they are disappointingly scarce in “Wonderland.” The movie opens with considerable promise, tapping into the ever-expanding influence of artificial intelligence on human life, this time focusing on its potential to navigate the complex emotions tied to grief. The film features three distinct stories of individuals who have enlisted Wonderland to bridge the gap between life and death.
Jeong-in (Bae Suzy) regularly engages in video calls with her boyfriend Te-joo (Park Bo-gum), who is ostensibly on a space mission but is, in reality, in a coma. Then there’s Bai Li (Tang Wei), who, laden with guilt over neglecting her daughter for years, uses Wonderland to connect with her after the latter’s death from an illness. Lastly, Song Jeong-ran (Sung Byung-sook) turns to the service to maintain a semblance of contact with her deceased grandson (Tang Jung-sang), a college student with a difficult personality. Supporting this ethereal communication service are Hae-ri and her colleague Hyeon-soo (Choi Woo-shik).
The film’s setup initially captivates as we witness Hae-ri and Hyeon-soo’s meticulous work in ensuring the smooth operation of the Wonderland service. Their interactions with grieving clients add to the film’s early appeal. For instance, one poignant moment includes a man detailing his ideal version of heaven—a personalized simulation designed to suit his desires posthumously.
. Bai Li’s storyline offers moments of genuine warmth as she embarks on an adventurous archaeological expedition, sharing the experience through her simulated calls. This subplot even introduces a charming encounter with a stranger, portrayed by Gong Yoo in a brief but welcome cameo.
Yet, the film struggles to build on its compelling foundation, a shortcoming attributable to the screenplay by Kim Tae-yong and Min Ye-ji. Grief, inherently multifaceted and deeply personal, is inadequately explored within the narrative’s multiple storylines. Instead of delving deeply into the varied emotional landscapes that follow the loss of loved ones, the script only scratches the surface, leaving an emotional void where richer, more intricate storytelling could have flourished.
The sumptuous visuals and the high-caliber cast are insufficently complemented by the script’s lack of depth. Tang Wei’s portrayal of a mother balancing between guilt and joy stands out as perhaps the most developed character arc. One can’t help but crave more screen time for Suzy and Bo-gum, whose on-screen chemistry hints at potential for a future Korean drama collaboration.
Given its high-concept premise and star-studded cast, “Wonderland” had the ingredients to craft a moving, thought-provoking film on love, technology, and the nature of existence. However, the movie falls short by shying away from tackling the profound questions it initially poses. The exploration of how Wonderland profoundly impacts its users is treated with frustrating brevity, leaving much to be desired.
“Wonderland” meanders through its beautiful frames and narrative promise but ultimately fails to resonate at a deeper emotional level. The movie ends up being a visually appealing but narratively hollow experience that doesn’t fully capitalize on its intriguing premise. It leaves the audience pondering, not just about the philosophical aspects it hints at, but also about what more it could have achieved with a more thorough examination of its characters’ emotional journeys and the ethical implications of its high-tech wonderland.
