Wander (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Wander is a 2020 action thriller directed by April Mullen, starring Aaron Eckhart as Arthur Bretnik, Tommy Lee Jones and Deborah Chavez. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $4,609 worldwide. Critics gave it 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Fandango At Home and Google Play Movies.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Director
- April Mullen
- Original language
-
Spanish
- Studio
- Nordisk Film
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Wander About?
The premise of Wander without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
A solitary traveler journeys across the Arctic Circle, and the changing environment reflects their personal growth. The passage of seasons blurs the line between the natural world and internal reflection, leading to a transformative experience. Confronted with the inevitability of death, the wanderer contemplates the cycles of life and seeks a sense of belonging, ultimately discovering the strength found in renewal.
Wander Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- conspiracy theorist
- implanted computer chip
- conspiracy theory
- biological microchip
- conspiracy
- paranoid man
- paranoia
- traumatized protagonist
- death
- overturned vehicle
- title appears in writing
- trailer home
+38 more Show fewer
- podcast
- private investigator
- dead daughter
- nursing home
- lawyer
- fbi agent
- dog
- sheriff
- sim card
- spotting scope
- death investigation
- hallucinate
- motel room
- thumb drive
- medical research
- framed for murder
- patsy
- psychiatric hospital
- fountain pen
- surgery on self
- tracking chip removed
- maniacal laugh
- fatal car crash
- revenge
- immigrant
- microchip
- microchip implant
- motel
- podcast host
- pet dog
- secret passageway
- morgue
- psychiatric patient
- flash drive
- escape attempt
- murder investigation
- double cross
- dead body in a car trunk
Where to Watch Wander
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Fandango At Home and Google Play Movies. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Wander Cast & Characters
Aaron Eckhart leads the cast as Arthur Bretnik, with Tommy Lee Jones as Jimmy Cleats and Deborah Chavez as Elena. Directed by April Mullen; 12 actors are credited in all.
-
Director April Mullen
-
Aaron Eckhart as Arthur Bretnik -
Tommy Lee Jones as Jimmy Cleats - Deborah Chavez as Elena
-
Heather Graham as Shelley Luscomb
Also Starring in Wander
· 8 more- Brendan Fehr Nick
- Katheryn Winnick Elsa
- Raymond Cruz Sherif Luis Santiago
- David Gibson Canton
- Nicole Steinwedell Tanya
- Colby Crain Pretty Nurse
- Roger Dorman Leiland
- Tylannie Smith-Scott Cleo
Wander Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Wander 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (35).
Wander Echo Score Breakdown
In its overall design, Wander delivers striking visual atmospherics and capable performances but struggles with narrative coherence and engagement. Critics praised its luminous framing and ambient sound, and many viewers acknowledged solid acting in the lead roles. However, recurring critiques point to a disjointed plot, uneven pacing, and unclear motives. The film ultimately offers intermittent intrigue undermined by a faltering storyline and limited emotional payoff.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of Art & Craft, the film exhibits evocative framing and a deliberate use of natural light that many reviews highlighted as its visual strength. Supportive camera compositions and ambient textures lend a consistent mood. Some viewers noted abrupt editing transitions and occasional sequence disorganization. Overall, the aesthetic choices contribute a memorable atmosphere despite sporadic editing unevenness.
- Character & Emotion 65
When it comes to Character & Emotion, performances by the lead actors were broadly regarded as assured and engaging. Many highlighted the depth of grief and interpersonal tension captured in key scenes. Some critiques pointed to occasional overemphasis and uneven emotional portrayal that diminished authenticity. In summary, the cast’s work anchors the film even as it fluctuates in emotional consistency.
- Story & Flow 45
In terms of Story & Flow, reactions were mixed but leaned toward criticism over coherence and pacing. Viewers frequently described the narrative as predictable in some arcs yet confusing in others, citing sudden conspiratorial shifts that felt underdeveloped. The pacing was noted as uneven, alternating between sluggish exposition and abrupt transitions. Overall, the plot’s inconsistency undermines sustained engagement.
- Sensory Experience 50
When considering the Sensory Experience, the film’s ambient soundscapes and musical undercurrents were consistently praised for enhancing atmosphere. Yet many viewers reported difficulty with dialogue clarity and criticized persistent handheld camera movement as disorienting. Some found the sound mixing uneven, detracting from scene cohesion. Ultimately, the auditory and visual textures interplay effectively but are hindered by occasional technical distractions.
- Rewatch Factor 35
Regarding Rewatch Factor, most feedback suggests limited incentive for multiple viewings due to narrative ambiguity and uneven pacing. A subset of viewers appreciated the film’s atmospheric qualities on a second pass, but the persistent plot inconsistencies and unresolved elements reduce repeat appeal. Overall, the movie offers some intriguing moments yet lacks the cohesive structure needed to sustain enduring interest.
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IMDb 4.9 /10
See on IMDb -
Metacritic 54 Metascore
User score 3.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 53% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.4 /5
1 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.7 /5
See on Movie Insider
Wander Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Wander from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Arthur Bretnik, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, is a conspiracy theorist grappling with his mental health after a tragic car accident claims the lives of his loved ones. Once a detective, he had delved into the strange case of a body found with an explosive anomaly, which later vanished from the morgue. Alongside his buddy, Jimmy Cleats, he hosts a podcast analyzing various conspiracy theories that captivate their listeners.
Full summary
The whole story of Wander, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Wander Box Office
Wander grossed $4,609 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$4.6K
- International
- $4.6K
Wander Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Official Trailer
How Well Do You Know Wander?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main protagonist in Wander?
Cars in Wander
9 cars on screen, including the 2009 Ford Fiesta MkVI and the 2008 Ford Focus MkII.
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2009 Ford Fiesta MkVI Background role -
2008 Ford Focus MkII Background role -
2014 Ford Focus Estate MkIII Background role -
2015 Hyundai ix35 Background role
Wander Also Known As
14 alternative titles, including “万德” and “Desaparecidos”.
- Also known as
-
- 万德
- Desaparecidos
- Wander: Inganno Mortale
- Уондер
- 万德镇
- 원더
- Conspiración Wander
- Městečko Wander
- 萬德
- וואנדר
- پرسه زدن
- Вондер
+2 more Show fewer
- Conspiració Wander
- Уандър
Seen Wander?
Movies Like Wander
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Wanderland, Wanderer and On the Wandering Paths.
Wander FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Wander, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Wander?
Wander runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Wander released?
Wander was released on December 4, 2020.
Who directed Wander?
Wander was directed by April Mullen.
More films by April Mullen Who is in the cast of Wander?
Wander stars Aaron Eckhart as Arthur Bretnik, Tommy Lee Jones as Jimmy Cleats and Deborah Chavez as Elena, among 12 credited actors.
Where can I watch Wander?
In the US, Wander is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and available to rent or buy on Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies and Spectrum On Demand (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Wander make at the box office?
Wander grossed $4,609 worldwide.
How is Wander rated?
Wander has 4.9/10 on IMDb, 54 on Metacritic, 53% on TMDB and 2.4/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Wander have a post-credit scene?
No. Wander has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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