Fans of period dramas are set to be captivated by a Netflix film featuring Florence Pugh in the role of an English nurse.

The production debuted at the Telluride Film Festival in 2022 and garnered favourable critical reception, with particular acclaim for the ensemble’s performances, especially Pugh’s compelling portrayal.

Taking place in 1862, the narrative centres on Elizabeth “Lib” Wright, an English nurse who served during the Crimean War.

She travels to a remote Irish village where she must monitor Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), a young girl who hasn’t consumed food for four months.

The impressive cast also includes Niamh Algar, Ciarán Hinds and Toby Jones.

The film is The Wonder, adapted from Emma Donoghue’s 2016 novel of the same title.

On Google Reviews, viewers have commended the production, with Andre Fortin commenting: “A really good drama, a good and honest look into fasting girls of the Victorian era. Loved it! Florence Pugh is flawless here.”

Angie Kinsey remarked: “Wonderfully weird and incredibly poignant- this movie is well written, adeptly shot, and superbly acted.

“Florence Pugh made me care about something I didn’t think I could- self-inflicted harm. Then, she-with only her acting skill-turned the story on its head and made me realize anything that dims the wonder of a child is the real culprit here.

“The breaking of the fourth wall wasn’t distracting at all- in fact, it was so well done that it hooked me from the beginning.”

Praising Emma Donoghue’s original novel, readers have described it as “spellbinding”.

Writing on Goodreads, one fan named Dem commented: “Spellbinding and so atmospheric, The Wonder is one of the best Irish historical novels I have read in a very long time where facts and fiction come together to create a story that gets under your skin.”

On review site Rotten Tomatoes, the film adaptation boasts an impressive 85% rating, with critics noting: “The atmosphere’s absorbing and the story is fascinating, but The Wonder of this period drama really lies in Florence Pugh’s remarkable performance.”

Pugh’s portrayal earned her the British/Irish Actress of the Year honour at the London Film Critics’ Circle Awards.

The actress also received a nomination for International Actress at the Irish Television and Film Awards.

The Wonder is streaming on Netflix