Jan Miller Corran’s Along Came Wanda is a particularly familiar, yet untold story, of how the pandemic has put a great deal into perspective.
For protagonist Mary Beth, played by Constance Brenneman, the pandemic leads her to a divorce, a friendship with a package delivery woman named Wanda (Cathy DeBuono), and an impromptu soul-searching road trip. With a bright and comedic tone, Along Came Wanda eases viewers into a raw glimpse of the complexities of middle-aged womanhood.
Lead actor Brenneman brings these complexities to life with her sincere and heartfelt performance that embodies the internal conflict of questioning who you are. There is almost nothing more captivating for an audience than believing that an actor’s performance comes from a genuine place or experience, and Brenneman’s authentic expressions and line deliveries did just that. Her natural acting even allowed the film to successfully break the fourth wall, a performance convention that is hard to perfect outside of theatre. While Brenneman’s character Mary Beth brings a more grounded element to the film, DeBuono’s offbeat portrayal of Wanda brings a quirkiness to the film that makes for great comedic relief.
The dynamic between the two actors creates a balance that is also seen in the technical aspects of the film. Cameron Schmucker’s polished cinematography creates a sunny and natural atmosphere that complements the more serious subjects throughout the film. Shmucker lets the colors in nature and in the spirited costume design (Chase Moody) brighten the screen instead of taking the obvious route of motivated or moody lighting. The score (Kanoa Wolfe-Doblin) also takes a clean and undistracting approach, truly allowing the story and performances to shine.
With a familiarity in the setting and subject, Along Came Wanda is a comforting film that explores rather uncharted territories of sexual identity and the endeavours of middle-aged women whose narratives go beyond being a mother or wife. Mary Beth is a much-needed example of how growth and change doesn’t end once you’ve settled down in life. Her story is a refreshing journey that veers off the narrative norms of film.
