Wander (2020)

Wander, the latest collaboration between director April Mullen and writer Tim Dorton, straddles the thin line between paranoia and truth, yet emerges as a compelling thriller with a genuine thirst for exposing what lies beneath.

Director April Mullen shoots Wander like a kinetic horror film, which results in some pretty cool sequences but also far too many quick-cut flashbacks to the deadly auto accident, which results in us feeling more annoyed and manipulated than intrigued.

Tom Doiron’s first produced script lapses into a long series of over-explained “expository endings” which spoil the mystery of what’s come before. But Eckhart reminds us of how good he can be when given a showy role, and a supporting cast worthy of his talents.

The film’s hyperbolic style and convoluted storytelling tend to exhaust patience rather than build intrigue, making for a muddle whose too-many twists and turns ultimately seem meaningless as well as implausible.