Watch Chasing Wonders

Chasing Wonders is a heartwarming and inspirational film about a young boy named Savino (played by Teo Yoo) and his journey of self-discovery. Directed by Paul Meins, the movie premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in January 2020 and stars an ensemble cast including Paz Vega, Edward James Olmos, and Jessica Marais.

The story is set in rural Spain during the 1950s and revolves around Savino's deep yearning to explore the unknown and unravel the mysteries of the universe. He is a curious and ambitious boy who is always questioning the world around him and dreaming of the possibilities that lie beyond his reach. However, he faces a significant obstacle in the form of his father, Menino (played by Olmos), who is a traditionalist and believes that the family's destiny is tied to their land and their animals.

Savino's grandfather, Mateo (played by Luis Tosar), is a scientist who shares Savino's passion for exploring the unknown and understands his grandson's thirst for knowledge. He encourages Savino to pursue his dreams and inspires him with stories of his own travels and adventures. However, Mateo is battling a debilitating illness, and his time on earth is running out. This adds a sense of urgency to Savino's quest to unlock the wonders of the universe and find answers to the questions that have been burning inside him for as long as he can remember.

Throughout the movie, we see Savino's journey unfold as he tries to reconcile his dreams with the expectations of his family and community. He faces challenges and setbacks along the way, but he is relentless in his pursuit of knowledge and understanding. We also see his relationships with his family members evolve as he learns to stand up for himself and assert his independence.

Paz Vega gives a stellar performance as Savino's mother, Maria. She is torn between her love for her son and her loyalty to her husband and tries to find a balance that will make everyone happy. Edward James Olmos shines as Menino, the stern-faced patriarch who struggles to understand his son's passion for the unknown but is ultimately proud of him for his bravery and determination. Jessica Marais plays the role of Kate, a recent arrival to the village who befriends Savino. Together, they explore the beauty of the Spanish countryside and share a sense of wonder and excitement about the world.

One of the film's main themes is the power of imagination and the importance of following one's dreams, no matter how daunting the task may seem. Savino embodies this spirit, and his story is both inspiring and relatable. The film serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue one's passions and explore the world around us.

The cinematography is striking, with breathtaking landscapes and sweeping shots of the Spanish countryside. The score, composed by Federico Jusid, adds to the film's emotional depth and captures the sense of wonder and adventure that infuses the story.

Overall, Chasing Wonders is a poignant and engaging film that celebrates the human spirit and the pursuit of knowledge. It is a story that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and is sure to inspire viewers to chase their own dreams and uncover the wonders of the world.

Chasing Wonders is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.