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Action thriller

Wander (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Wander (2020) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
4.9/10
worldwide gross
$4.6K
Echo Score
53
Metascore
54
Wander (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Director
April Mullen
Genres
Action , Mystery , Thriller , Crime
Original language
Spanish
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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

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.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Wander

· 8 more
Ratings

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).

53 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Wander Box Office

Wander grossed $4,609 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.6K

International
$4.6K
Videos

Wander Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

VMI Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main protagonist in Wander?

Cars

Cars in Wander

9 cars on screen, including the 2009 Ford Fiesta MkVI and the 2008 Ford Focus MkII.

All 9 cars
  • 2009 Ford Fiesta MkVI in Wander 2009 Ford Fiesta MkVI Background role
  • 2008 Ford Focus MkII in Wander 2008 Ford Focus MkII Background role
  • 2014 Ford Focus Estate MkIII in Wander 2014 Ford Focus Estate MkIII Background role
  • 2015 Hyundai ix35 in Wander 2015 Hyundai ix35 Background role
Details

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
  • Conspiració Wander
  • Уандър

Seen Wander?

FAQ

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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