Wonka (2023) Review

"So quiet up, and listen down. Nope. Scratch that, reverse it,"

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

Movies based on Roald Dahl's iconic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are under a lot of pressure, and have one job: to be as magical as the book, and this movie was exactly that. Paul King succeeding in creating such a sweet and marvellous movie, while maitaining an emotional aspect to allow the audience to connect with such interesting characters.

Wonka tells the story of how Willy Wonka came to be so successful and create his own chocolate factory. It shows us how his motivation to share his unique chocolate creations with the world comes from his mother, who he lost when he was a child that introduced him to the world of chocolate. He is determined to share chocolate with the world, because of the promise that his mom would be there when he did it and he'd finally be able to see his biggest supporter and inspiration again. It tells us how he comes to know of the existence of the Oompa Loompas, after meeting the "funny little man" who keeps stealing all his chocolate (who is played by Hugh Grant, in probably the weirdest role I've ever watched him in), all the while showing his selflessness, as he gives up his dreams of selling chocolates just to help his friends be free and live the lives he knows they deserve. It is such a wholesome, heartfelt and feel-good movie that allows the audience to just sit for a while and escape the world into this chocolate-filled fantasy.

Timothée Chalamet was an interesting choice to play the title character, and after the trailer a lot of people (including me) were skeptical of this casting. However, Chalamet carries Willy Wonka with the exact whimisicality and charisma required, winning the audience over to his side with such an extraordinary performance I believe only he could provide. His performance was complimented by so many talented cast members such as Calah Lane as his partner in crime and first friend, Noodle, as well as actors such as Mathew Baynton, Olivia Coleman and Paterson Joseph, who all played these villainous characters in such a fun, entertaining way.

Furthermore, the soundtrack for this movie really exceeded expectations, and I have been obsessed since I watched it. All the main cast take part in at least one song, and they create such an intense and emotional atmosphere with the way they sing that it truly adds such powerful and touching element to the movie that it would otherwise lack. The score as well was something that I was immediately drawn in by, composed by Joby Talbot. It was such a beautiful part of the movie that can sometimes be overlooked, but deserves more than just a small bit of recognition for how much it really improved and made the movie. In addition, the set design by Nathan Crowley and costume design by Lindy Hemming was truly beautiful, with such an amazing use of colours that made the movie so much more vibrant.

Wonka was just such a charming and beautiful film, and I truly believe it will instantly become a holiday classic.