By: Rachel Cuscianna 

Timothée Chalamet in Wonka (2023) | Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.

Wonka (2023) is the chocolate-filled basket gifted with excitement, adrenaline and pure imagination. With Timothée Chalamet as the leading chocolatier, the film contained a sense of familiarity and joy. His performance as Willy Wonka was unlike anything he had played. Moreover, he leaned away from his usual dramatic filmography. Instead, he stepped into the role of Wonka. Compared to the previous actors who played Willy Wonka – Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp – Chalamet was able to hold his own Wonka by creating his own version of the personality. 

At the beginning of the film, we meet the charismatic Wonka: a young man that yearns to create his own chocolate factory in honour of his late mother. However, he is faced with the challenge of earning the support of his community. Not to mention, facing the challenge of authorities constantly fighting against his passion. By meeting another group of isolated outsiders, Wonka embarks on the journey of spreading the love for chocolate all around the world. 

Once the movie was released, a lot of people debated whether or not the songs were necessary for the movie. However, I personally enjoyed the musical element of the film consisting of the original songs and additional covers. It made the movie exciting and left an impression on myself and my friend in the theatre. “A World of Your Own” and “Pure Imagination” were my favourite songs that continued to stay in my head. All in all, the scenes and the soundtrack were definitely the most memorable aspects of the film. 

In addition to the soundtrack and performance of Chalamet, the production design was absolutely stunning and beautiful to admire. Considering the film was made for children, the use of colourful and bright patterns added to the whimsical look of Wonka. It symbolized the happiness, hope, and exhilaration that Willy Wonka brought to the dull, fictional town. 

Timothée Chalamet in Wonka (2023) | Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.