The new film Wonder Woman is a big budget franchise extension of the DC Comics Universe featuring legendary superheroes. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) was introduced as Wonder Woman in the 2016 release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. With her small role in that film, stealing scenes at every turn, we got a glimpse of the things that may be to come in the franchise. For her eponymous film, we are treated to the backstory of the photo that Bruce Wayne gave to Diana in Batman v Superman. Told mainly in flashback, this is Wonder Woman’s origin story.
Growing up on an isolated island hidden from the outside world, Diana knew she was different. She longed to explore her abilities, but found herself sheltered by her mother. But Diana trained to be a warrior and when a mysterious man crashed a plane in the waters near her island, it was time to per her talents to the test.
That mysterious man was Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). Chased by German soldiers, he relied on the talents of Diana and the rest of the Amazons to keep him alive.
When Steve explains to Diana the horrors of the war to end all wars, Diana feels obligated to go with him and try to protect the individuals of a world she has never seen. Leaving behind the safety of her island and the people who know her as princess, she heads into the unknown to stop the only one the she feels could be behind this conflict: Ares, the god of war.
This film is long overdue and quite frankly may be what saves the DC Universe and actually turns its franchises into huge successes. Director Patty Jenkins takes the reins of this origin story and never lets up. As Diana grows to become Wonder Woman, Jenkins brings out her strengths, her weaknesses, her naiveté and wonder as she experiences the outside world.
And Jenkins couldn’t succeed in crafting Wonder Woman if it wasn’t for the talents of Gadot. Not only is Gadot able to make viewers believe that she is the tough and fearless Wonder Woman, but she sells the quiet and vulnerable Diana, who has a heart of gold for those around her.
The cast surrounding Gadot features Pine as the first human man Diana has ever laid eyes on, Connie Nielsen as her mother and Robin Wright in a role as the woman who sees all the fight within the young Diana, despite her mother’s reservations.
Wonder Woman is what a superhero origin story should be: telling us what made our favorite character become who she is, but never dwelling on the details to the point of boredom. Developing the person behind the superhero allows us to see someone real and relatable to cheer for and identify with. The world is filled with wonder women who possess many of the characteristics of this icon; it’s about time the we celebrate that with this film. Thanks to seeing this film, I cannot wait for Justice League (in theaters Nov. 17) to see Wonder Woman’s role in it, as she is definitely not afraid to take charge. Wonder Woman does it all.
Wonder Woman is available On Demand beginning Sept. 19. Check your cable system for availability.