Read Positive User Reviews for Wild

8

beingryanjudeDec 8, 2014

Wild features a journey through the wilderness of the Pacific Crest Trail and the mind of Cheryl Strayed--both familiar to the screen. But through the eyes of Reese Witherspoon and astounding direction from Jean-Marc Vallée, we see into theWild features a journey through the wilderness of the Pacific Crest Trail and the mind of Cheryl Strayed--both familiar to the screen. But through the eyes of Reese Witherspoon and astounding direction from Jean-Marc Vallée, we see into the soul of a true and honest woman--through the journey of her own life. You'll find yourself taking that journey alongside Cheryl.… Expand

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8

foxgroveDec 3, 2014

The early scenes of 'Wild' have the unfortunate effect of immediately distancing you from both the film and the lead character. Uncharitably one starts to think that its sole purpose is to be an Oscar baity vanity project for ReeseThe early scenes of 'Wild' have the unfortunate effect of immediately distancing you from both the film and the lead character. Uncharitably one starts to think that its sole purpose is to be an Oscar baity vanity project for Reese Witherspoon. However, one never quite gives up on this flawed, but not unlikeable individual. Before long one begins to warm to her and even embrace the unusual structure employed in telling the parallel stories.
The film's screenplay by Nick Hornby drip feeds us information slowly and the more we get to know the reason for Witherspoon's trek of the Pacific Coastal trail, the more involved we become with her character and performance. One scene in particular in which a child she meets sings to her is extremely moving.
In a small but pivotal role Laura Dern is luminous as her mother. Upbeat and full of optimism despite the knocks, disappointments and hardships that life has dealt her. She is really the story's soul.
Ultimately, the film hits the mark and the journey is worth it. Beautiful locations in Oregon and around Mount Hood, Ashland and Crater Lake are another major reason to see it.… Expand

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8

LowbrowCinemaDec 7, 2014

WILD is an honest gutsy movie with a truly wonderful structure that feels the way we think. No film has better captured stream of conscientious. Pitch perfect until it's last 20 minutes become a bit too New Agey for my taste. What's reallyWILD is an honest gutsy movie with a truly wonderful structure that feels the way we think. No film has better captured stream of conscientious. Pitch perfect until it's last 20 minutes become a bit too New Agey for my taste. What's really great is that this film never feels "inspirational."… Expand

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9

AxgrinderDec 20, 2014

This is Resse Witherspoon at her best. Despite the fact that Witherspoon spends most of the movie without traditional make-up her personality shines through. The majority of the scenes involve Witherspoon by herself so if you didn’t likeThis is Resse Witherspoon at her best. Despite the fact that Witherspoon spends most of the movie without traditional make-up her personality shines through. The majority of the scenes involve Witherspoon by herself so if you didn’t like Gravity because the film centered on Sandra Bullock then you may not like this flick either. The movie is based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed, a woman unable to cope with her own life. Weighed down with frustration and grief from the death of her sweet, but white trash, mother (Laura Dern) and unable to connect emotionally with her nice guy husband Paul (Thomas Sadoski), her only release comes from engaging in some seriously self-destructive behavior. But, Paul ultimately her leaves her for her infidelities and she realizes that she’s no longer in control (not that she ever was) and that she’s allowed her life to spiral down dangerously close to the edge of the abyss. She tries cut-rate psycho-therapy for about 5 minute before giving up. When the therapist asks why she does the things she does, she responds by saying, the only time life doesn’t hurt like sh*t is when I’m fuc*ing someone or shooting up. As an act of desperation, and despite the fact that she has no backpacking experience, she leaves home (Minneapolis) to hike the 1,100 mile Pacific Crest Trail - which runs from the Mojave Desert in California to Washington State - by herself. The movie is about her trek. The movie has a grittiness and real-life feel to it. The only odd moment occurs in the closing scene where, despite the fact that the journey proves to be her salvation, Cheryl tries to embrace her past rather than renounce it and claims that she doesn’t seek or need forgiveness or redemption. It’s a prideful “broken but unbowed” final speech, which I found interesting given that her survival appears to be founded as much on luck and the kindness of strangers as it is on her own inner strength. But, despite Cheryl’s lack of humility, you still feel good that she makes it through both the Pacific wilderness and her own personal wilderness and through to other side. Stay and watch the credits for some interesting photographs of the real Cheryl.… Expand

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9

GustavoTalainiDec 3, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. " Eu posso desistir a qualquer momento"

Sempre temos momentos que queremos esquecer todos os problemas, descobrir o eu interior,e refletir sobre as coisas ruins que a vida nos trás, mas o que podemos fazer para resolver isso? Existe uma maneira de fazer isso, simplesmente pegue uma mochila (uma mega mochila) e saia andando pela PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), é exatamente isso que Cheryl Strayed faz.

Cheryl Strayed não é uma simples personagem criada para um filme, ela realmente existe e tem uma fantástica e inspiradora história de vida que é incrivelmente bem representada no filme de Jean-Marc Vallée (diretor de Clube De Compras Dallas que foi vencedor de três oscars).

Já conseguimos chamar Jean-Marc Vallée de um digno diretor, agora em assunção, que sabe muito, MUITO bem dirigir “seus” atores e que conta com um ótimo roteiro e uma grande equipe de edição (o filme tem uma interessante edição que faz uma viagem entre o passado e presente de uma maneira espetacular).

Reese Witherspoon vive, literalmente vive Cheryl Strayed com a sua intensa atuação cheia de pensamentos e expressões o que já a coloca na corrida dos oscars; Cheryl sempre teve dificuldades na vida, na infância sofria ao ver seu pai bater na sua mãe Bobbi interpretada por Laura Dern (também com uma bela performance), na adolescência estudou na mesma faculdade que sua mãe o que honestamente não é o mais agradável, porém Cheryl gostava, pois afinal Bobbi é um exemplo, sempre estava cantando mesmo com problemas financeiros sobre a mesa, ela anda a cavalo (o que é incrível) e ainda tem forças para suportar seus outros problemas que são os de saúde e que na verdade no final são mais fortes do que Bobbi... Assim após sua morte Cheryl perde a cabeça e começa a apelar para o irracional, ela usa heroína e transa com qualquer homem que vê pela frente, mas um detalhe Cheryl é casada a sete anos ou pelo menos era, por que o divorcio surgiu como a melhor opção; portanto o que uma mulher viciada em drogas com problemas sexuais/financeiros e ainda por cima divorciada faz?

Volte ao começo do texto, ser livre e selvagem é a melhor opção, Cheryl escolhe sair andando pelo PCT ( lembrando: isso é uma historia real)

Um combate entre a superação vs desejos e a luta contra o passado a partir da reflexão da individualidade e do silêncio são os desafios de Cheryl em sua insana caminhada de 2000 km, mas isso é construído no filme de forma brilhante, cativante e emocionante em meio de belas paisagens e uma forte trilha sonora que nos trás a memória de Bobbi, a falecida mãe, deste modo concebendo um grandioso, inspirador e formidável filme que fará você rir em certos momentos realmente hilários e divertidos (as vezes apelativo),e que ira martelar na sua cabeça por um bom tempo e certamente te incentivará a sair andando loucamente em busca de uma trilha.… Expand

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8

NerdConsultantJun 1, 2015

Wild is a film that was an incredibly better than I thought it would be becoming a film i would really recommend. the film has amazing cinematography almost like it was intended to be used for national geographic and an incredibly engagingWild is a film that was an incredibly better than I thought it would be becoming a film i would really recommend. the film has amazing cinematography almost like it was intended to be used for national geographic and an incredibly engaging story made up of a series of brilliantly odd almost unconnected events alongside and incredibly emotional life story. oh and the cast is fantastic giving excellent performances across the board.… Expand

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8

MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015

Cheryl Strayed: "I have only another 300 miles left to walk. I'm desperate for it to be over. I'm terrified too. When I'm done, I'll only have two dimes to my name, but I'll have to start living. I'm nowhere near ready."

The story is aboutCheryl Strayed: "I have only another 300 miles left to walk. I'm desperate for it to be over. I'm terrified too. When I'm done, I'll only have two dimes to my name, but I'll have to start living. I'm nowhere near ready."

The story is about Cheryl Strayed has she lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. WILD powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.

Well since it's award season and a lot of award worthy movies are coming (Really fast, I mean my lord there's loads) and this movie is nominated for some as well. Wild is directed by the same guy who made the best movie of 2013 (In my opinion) Dallas Buyers Club that's the movie and while I think that film is one of his best, Wild comes second in mind because Wild is pretty damn good film.

Reese Witherspoon like always gives her best in any movie and in this there's no difference, in this movie she pulls off a smooth, charming and her best performance in her career. To those who think that Reese Witherspoon character in this film is all Hollywood and perfect and hot looking in this, actually no, he character get's dirty, her damn toe nails comes bleeding off in such a brutal way and that's what I like about that, because the movie shows that when you go off for a very long and I do mean long hike you don't come out of it with no scratch on you and this movie shows that. Witherspoon is one of those actress that I liked from the very beginning and I'm talking about right at the start of her movies, and still today she still gives and great and well Oscar worthy performances. Yeah she did some bad movie has well, but these good ones as well and this is one of them.

The directing from Jean-Marc Vallee was super spot on, I mean this guy can really direct a story telling movie just like Buyers Club. Good work Jean- Marc Vallee.

For nick picks that I have for the movie I have some like: The movie doesn't tell you much about her character and normally I like those kind of things where as a viewer myself can peace the puzzle myself to know her character, but if your going to do that it really takes brilliant writing to pull that off and don't get me wrong I'm not saying that the writing is god awful or anything like that, but what I'm trying to say is that movie kept to much away from her character so to be honest at times I didn't know what she was doing at times and the movie wants me to connect to that but I don't know why she did because I don't know much of her. But then later on all the answers came flooding in and that's when I finally got it.

Wild overall has great performances from Witherspoon and Laura Dern, the cinematography is so gorgeous to look at in this movie and the directing has I said before was done extremely good. Wild may not be your type of film and that's fine, but for me I thought it was pretty well made.… Expand

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10

RamonGuerreroFeb 13, 2015

Reese Witherspoon gave the performance of her career, by bringing desperation, humor, loneliness, and plenty of sadness, in a tale of drugs, sex and lost.

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9

dylan111Jan 2, 2015

This movie reminded me why I loved Reese Witherspoon on screen in Man in the Moon, Pleasantville, and Election. Her honesty, intelligence, and humor as an actress do justice to Cheryl Strayed's journey. In fact, there are two greatThis movie reminded me why I loved Reese Witherspoon on screen in Man in the Moon, Pleasantville, and Election. Her honesty, intelligence, and humor as an actress do justice to Cheryl Strayed's journey. In fact, there are two great performances in Wild. Laura Dern is wonderful as Strayed's mother, and the scenes with her and Witherspoon truly illustrate the close, loving bond between mother and daughter. It was great to watch a film in which the female lead was not yet another victim but someone who took charge of her life.… Expand

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9

Brent_MarchantDec 6, 2014

A superbly directed, beautifully acted, gorgeously filmed story of self-discovery and personal evolution. Told in an ever-captivating way, the story reveals just enough to keep viewer interest without divulging too much through its mainA superbly directed, beautifully acted, gorgeously filmed story of self-discovery and personal evolution. Told in an ever-captivating way, the story reveals just enough to keep viewer interest without divulging too much through its main narrative and skillfully incorporated flashbacks. Easily one of the year's best.… Expand

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8

moviemitch96Dec 24, 2014

A very well made and often times heartfelt film. Director Jean-Marc Vallee once again delivers with another great film. While it didn't quite live up to last year's Dallas Buyers Club for me, he still managed to make a genuine-feeling filmA very well made and often times heartfelt film. Director Jean-Marc Vallee once again delivers with another great film. While it didn't quite live up to last year's Dallas Buyers Club for me, he still managed to make a genuine-feeling film full of life. The story was a little slow at times, but was easily made up for thanks to Reese Witherspoon's honest and soulful performance. Her Oscar buzz is very deserving and I have to agree with everyone else that it's her best performance since her Oscar win for 2005"s Walk the Line. I also really enjoyed Laura Dern, who also gave a worthwhile performance. Overall, while the story and pacing didn't quite live up to my expectations, it's Witherspoon's performance that made the film memorable for me and made it worth it in the end.… Expand

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9

jgzegerMar 31, 2015

I was wild about this movie -- great acting, great cinematography, and an interesting story. Regarding the acting, Reese Witherspoon should have taken away the Oscar for her role here instead of Patricia Arquette as it was one of the bestI was wild about this movie -- great acting, great cinematography, and an interesting story. Regarding the acting, Reese Witherspoon should have taken away the Oscar for her role here instead of Patricia Arquette as it was one of the best performances in her career.… Expand

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10

busbfranJul 4, 2015

A triumph of story telling, which holds such emotion, determination and redemption. Wild truly is one of the most inspiring real life stories that will be forever remember.

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7

jeanrenoir13Dec 24, 2014

An okay movie. Far from great, or even particularly intelligent. Just the ultimate Sixties feminist cliche tale of "finding myself," "loving myself," and "affirming all the dumb, sleazy things I did" because "I gotta be me" and "without ALLAn okay movie. Far from great, or even particularly intelligent. Just the ultimate Sixties feminist cliche tale of "finding myself," "loving myself," and "affirming all the dumb, sleazy things I did" because "I gotta be me" and "without ALL I've done I wouldn't be the wonderful woman I now am," etc., etc. Compare the skills and brains involved in a really good movie like Force Majeure with the level of intelligence and art in Wild. No contest. Witherspoon and everyone else is "good," but trite, since all the roles are trite themselves. Hornby did the best he could with the material he was given, but that material itself is the core problem with this film--the trite vision of Strayed herself. Her book was like a machine for great sales to female book clubs, the people who centrally determine best sellers in America, because it seems a little "edgy" in their context, but is finally very flattering in an "I am woman!" and so are you way.… Expand

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7

Mancunian2014Jan 30, 2015

I'm a little bit surprised that no one has mentioned that Wild is very much a movie about challenges unique to women that Male Privilege otherwise excuses - continual vigilance at being propositioned for sex; disbelief or "concern praise"I'm a little bit surprised that no one has mentioned that Wild is very much a movie about challenges unique to women that Male Privilege otherwise excuses - continual vigilance at being propositioned for sex; disbelief or "concern praise" that a woman gets for doing something men typically do; experiencing sexist assumptions made about a lone female versus a lone male; "favours" done so that a woman will "come around". Despite the physical isolation and potential dangers in nature, Cheryl must still face these realities and Wild makes an admirable attempt to highlight a female-centred experience amidst all the other problems in Cheryl's life.

True, the whole feat of completing the trail as heroically as Cheryl had in spite of here initial inexperience is not entirely realistic. I also didn't see what original quirks Reese Witherspoon brought to the role. However, I am convinced that the intention of Wild was display of the greater messages behind Cheryl's thousand-mile saga: accepting one's bad choices and accomplishing a feat without Male Privilege. Wild succeeds and makes an unforgettable statement.… Expand

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9

james417Oct 12, 2015

An engaging, emotionally resonant piece of filmmaking.

Check this movie here http://www.watchfree.to/watch-2a1024-Wild-movie-online-free-putlocker.html

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7

DirigiblePulpFeb 1, 2015

It would have been interesting to see this movie in another director's hands. I liked Jean-Marc Vallee's "Dallas Buyers Club" quite a bit, but here his naturalism and acting first approach shorts the story.

Reese is realy good in the roleIt would have been interesting to see this movie in another director's hands. I liked Jean-Marc Vallee's "Dallas Buyers Club" quite a bit, but here his naturalism and acting first approach shorts the story.

Reese is realy good in the role of Cheryl (maybe not selling the whacked out druggie bit enough however) but it's in service of a story that's not ever present, doesn't feel earned, or cohesive as a whole. There are scenes where Cheryl looks haggard and worn out, but we never see or feel her struggle for survival and redemption in the wilderness. This applies to every aspect of the story. The layering of flashbacks could have used a more poetic touch as well.

It would have been mightily interesting to see what someone like Terence Malick could have done with the story. Nature and wordless flashbacks. Feels right.… Expand

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8

TVJerryDec 25, 2014

Reese Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, who wrote the book about her 1000+ mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in an attempt to reverse her disastrous life (including a ruined marriage and heroin addiction). The movie alternates betweenReese Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, who wrote the book about her 1000+ mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in an attempt to reverse her disastrous life (including a ruined marriage and heroin addiction). The movie alternates between numerous outdoor challenges and reflections on her past. It works on both levels and is absorbingly told by director Jean-Marc Vallée ("Dallas Buyers Club"). The scenery is expectedly lovely and the complex sound design adds an almost trippy layer to her journey. This double-edged "adventure" is continually compelling, but not as emotionally rewarding as you'd expect. NOTE: Look for the real Strayed in an early cameo as she drops her movie star version off from a truck.… Expand

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8

ledaumasJan 17, 2015

Reese deserves her Oscar nomination. She goes through the gamet of emotions. Amazing because we know how well she can do comedy too. Wonderful scenery. It makes me feel like walking the trail, but I would have a car dropping me off andReese deserves her Oscar nomination. She goes through the gamet of emotions. Amazing because we know how well she can do comedy too. Wonderful scenery. It makes me feel like walking the trail, but I would have a car dropping me off and picking me up at strategic moments. Not only do I not have what it takes to walk that trail the way Cheryl did, I have no desire to either. I would try finding myself in a more fun way. But good for her for doing it this grueling way!… Expand

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7

NedRyerson1Feb 13, 2016

Wild is a clever movie that leaves you thinking about what have you done, where you are right now and what will happen next. The film construction really helped with this reflection, because the protagonist goes on this trip and occasionallyWild is a clever movie that leaves you thinking about what have you done, where you are right now and what will happen next. The film construction really helped with this reflection, because the protagonist goes on this trip and occasionally something in there triggers a reminiscence of her past, creating an atmosphere of hunting. Another thing is that as time goes by Cheryl finds out what she is capable of. So it's a journey of redemption and self-discovery. Reese Whiterspoon has a great performance on leading role as an anti-hero that puts a stop on her life and decides to start all over; here lays an enormous courage that not everyone can afford, because it implies admitting that you were wrong from de beginning. Laura Dern is also captivating in her role. With an interesting direction the film flows with an unique rhythm, very refreshing.… Expand

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7

SpangleOct 16, 2015

This one will not appeal to everyone since it is a character study of a deeply flawed woman, but I really enjoyed it. Not only is it beautifully filmed, but Reese Witherspoon turns in a fantastic and emotionally vulnerable performance thatThis one will not appeal to everyone since it is a character study of a deeply flawed woman, but I really enjoyed it. Not only is it beautifully filmed, but Reese Witherspoon turns in a fantastic and emotionally vulnerable performance that really serves as a great example of her talents. Director Jean-Marc Vallee sure knows how to get a good performance out of his actors and it is not just limited to Witherspoon, but to the whole cast as well. Wild is a tale of self-discovery and making amends for your past demons. What it truly does well it is feels authentic, it feels like an open book that is desiring for human connection, and it is not afraid to get dark or to get light (it is quite funny at times). Wherever the story went, it felt real and, honestly, was deeply affecting. This journey rides on Witherspoon's performance and with her turning in such a heartfelt and down-to-earth performance, there is no way the movie could be bad.… Expand

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8

LeZeeJun 30, 2015

Ever since the movie 'Dallas Buyers Club' grabbed the three golden statues at the Oscars, the director has been in the spotlight. But I was enjoying his movies before that and yet this one is another remarkable adventurous-drama based on theEver since the movie 'Dallas Buyers Club' grabbed the three golden statues at the Oscars, the director has been in the spotlight. But I was enjoying his movies before that and yet this one is another remarkable adventurous-drama based on the real expedition into the wild. Cheryl Strayed whose story was this film based upon appeared in the beginning scene where she drops off her version of the movie character and wishes her a luck.

The world is round, you can't runaway with your problems. If you do, you might end up where you have started. That's why its called a circle of life, goes round and round and round. You can hide your issues with yourself, but it may lead to a depression. Sometime when an experiment goes wrong, it's better to restart from the scratch with a different method. Here in our (human) lives some people do the same, return to where we've come from to restore the lost life. Of course I said all these, because this flick was inspired by such real incident.

I prefer this film was very close to the Australian movie 'Tracks' than bringing 'Into the Wild' into the frame. Obviously the Australian movie and this one are about the two young women, but the thing is, the story deals with the different motivation for their decision to take part in the quest. The Aussie flick has an edge over this when it comes to the challenges faced during the journey and also I loved from narration to photography, music and performance.

Since they both inspired by the true story, I appreciate the filmmaker's effort to bring them into the screen and salute to those two magnificent ladies. In both the films, both the women psychologically affected by their earlier stage of lives which was one of the reasons to step into the wild. I feel, 'Tracks' should have been nominated instead this movie for the Academy Awards.

I've always been someone's daughter or mother or wife.
I never got to be in the driver's seat of my own life.

It was a wonderful 2014 for Reese Witherspoon. Back to back career reviving; biographical and inspiring human emotion movies in this graphic, sci-fi and fantasy dominated era. The year's sweetheart for the critics and I doubt there will be another same year. Remember, she was nominated for the Oscars for her role in this film.

The disappointment was the adventures. Not what I expected. The struggles were unable to reach for our deep heart compared to other self-discovery voyage films. Weight she carried and losing a toe nail, I don't see much impact because those are supposed to happen. This PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) is well planned and partially protected the hikers with all the needs supplied all along the route. The only thing they have to do is stay away from the wild lives and watch-out for the intruders between the checkpoints.

In other end coping with depression was what I loved in the movie. Without those flashbacks this film was nothing. Literally, this story all about the mental healing. The pain she carried, she just wanted to eject it from her body and mind, and the journey helped it. The funny thing is I liked Laura Dern a lot than anybody in the movie. Her character as well as her dialogues was very inspiring. Her nominee for the actress in a supporting role was justified. I can watch this film again and again, only for her alone, sadly she won't appear for a long stay.

I loved it, but not completely pleased with the product. The reason is 'Tracks'. I think the film came at the wrong time or maybe I saw this one when the other flick was still hot and fresh in my memory. An achievement is an achievement, I respect both the films. You like the movie or not, that's a secondary thought regarding movie's outcome. But it's a must see for disclosing the extraordinary adventure of an ordinary young woman.

7.5/10… Expand

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7

heromoderApr 21, 2015

A solid effort by Jean-Marc Vallee. Witherspoon is as good as ever in this biopic about one woman's quest for self-forgiveness. Although not central to the story, I feel like they didn't take advantage of the breath-taking scenery as much asA solid effort by Jean-Marc Vallee. Witherspoon is as good as ever in this biopic about one woman's quest for self-forgiveness. Although not central to the story, I feel like they didn't take advantage of the breath-taking scenery as much as they could have. A fine film otherwise.… Expand

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10

lukechristianscMar 26, 2015

Director of "Dallas Buyers Club," Jean-Marc Vallée's adaptation of Strayed's novel is just heartwarming and emotional film, it's a weird and inspiration feeling. with Witherspoon's acting this movie and book is unbreakable. Grade A+

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8

TheRocksBarneyJan 15, 2015

I remember when I was watching “Wild” that I suddenly realised that I wasn’t walking beside the films protagonist Cheryl Strayed, but was in fact watching her being played by Reese Witherspoon. But this wasn’t just because of how immersiveI remember when I was watching “Wild” that I suddenly realised that I wasn’t walking beside the films protagonist Cheryl Strayed, but was in fact watching her being played by Reese Witherspoon. But this wasn’t just because of how immersive the cinema screen is and how it made me feel like I was experiencing Strayed’s story first hand, but it was also how, using Strayed’s hike as the guide leading us through the film, “Wild” uses Strayed’s internal monologue as a way of letting the audience see what led to Strayed to embark on such a terrific feat. This fluent style matches that of the book the film is based on, “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail”. It was also Witherspoon’s performance that drew me in to the film, and by combining that with the inevitable landscape shots that are going to feature in a film like this, I suddenly realised that I had been walking beside Strayed/Witherspoon as the film had gone on.
Strayed’s story is tragic, yet from that spouts inspiration. But “Wild” doesn’t do it in a way where that is clear, in fact Strayed frequently asks herself what on earth she is thinking doing this. Instead, again by sticking to the style of its source material, “Wild” leaves you realising a day or two later that the past isn’t something that is best to discard and forget about, but is instead something that we should take on board and use as a way to become a better person. Again, something that isn’t so obvious about “Wild” is how you find yourself rooting for Strayed, but not in the sense of how I was just about resisting the urge to scream out in the cinema as if she was some sort of superwoman, but instead in a way where Strayed genuinely, and deservedly, had my sympathy.
Reece Witherspoon is one of many people to thank for this. She is brilliant in “Wild” and it’s great to see her in something rather than, what I thought was her recent work, “This Means War”, that cringing spy flick where Chris Pine and Tom Hardy fight over her. Yet what “This Means War” can be thanked for in regards to “Wild” is how Witherspoon doesn’t leave that comedy behind and where there is a chance for humour, she takes it, again leading me to laugh out loud, for example in a scene where she is mistaken for a hobo. But then, once I’d finished laughing, I’d be left with an important question about Cheryl Strayed. Is she homeless? These sort of questions give Strayed your sympathy, and deservedly so. Cheryl Strayed, for her story, and Reese Witherspoon, doing justice for Strayed in regards to her story, can both be thanked in regards to this.
We can also thank the film’s director, Jean-Marc Vallée, following on from his previous effort “Dallas Buyers Club”. Whereas I didn’t really like his previous film, I feel that “Wild” was better suited to him. Although there is that same pale shade over the camera as there was in “Dallas Buyers Club”, Vallée captures some fantastic landscape shots and what’s important to note is how it’s not just the scenery that makes them truly fantastic, but it’s the subject of them, Strayed/Witherspoon, that does so. Where there is a view of some snowy mountains, we can see a figure making her way down them. Vallée does this in a different way in “Dallas Buyers Club”, and it explains why Matthew McConaughey in that film and Reese Witherspoon in this get so much attention for their respective roles. This makes it difficult for supporting actors and actresses to get some of the limelight, but again another strong performance by Laura Dern (playing Barbara “Bobbi” Grey, Cheryl’s Mother) manages to take some of it, though not as much as Jared Leto did in “Dallas Buyers Club” last year. But I suppose it is difficult for Dern to take some of the spotlight in a film that does focus on one woman’s struggle, whereas “Dallas Buyers Club” focused on that of a whole community.
“Wild” is ultimately a great film and its story, propelled forward by Reece Witherspoon, who by the end of the film I found to be synonymous with Strayed, is both tragic and terrific. Vallée can be thanked for this too. At one point in the film Witherspoon/Strayed comments how she feels more alone at home than out here in the wild. This captures what “Wild” is as a film, and although it doesn’t teach you anything directly, it rather encourages you to look at what Strayed did and to try and not find yourself in that position.… Expand

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8

IheardthatmovieDec 7, 2014

As you have most likely figured out on your own, there is no reset button for life. You just have to learn how to live life through all it's punches, keep an optimistic outlook, and remember that it will only get better from there. And alwaysAs you have most likely figured out on your own, there is no reset button for life. You just have to learn how to live life through all it's punches, keep an optimistic outlook, and remember that it will only get better from there. And always continue to chase that light at the end of the tunnel. For Cheryl Strayed, the light at the end of her tunnel just so happens to be a trail, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The Pacific Crest Trail is a hiking trail that spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. With nothing but a backpack that looks like it weighs more than her, Cheryl Strayed finds herself hiking through the snow, heat, rain, and cold and at the end of the path was her light of self-discovery and self-repair.

With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. WILD powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.

Wild is based on the memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, and looking from the outside in, this is a very hard memoir to adapt for the screen. Majority of the memoir is centered on Strayed's internal examination of herself from meditation, moments of despair, and personal enlightenment. Having Reese Witherspoon be able to translate this internal examination onto the big screen is only half the feat as being able to write a script that gives Witherspoon the ability to do so is just as important, and screenwriter Nick Hornby throws Witherspoon the perfect alley-oop to slam the best performance of her career. Hornby does not focus only on following Strayed on this life-changing hike but getting to know who she really is, was and going to become after this hike. He uses flashbacks to get into Strayed's head meanwhile giving the audience the chance to experience her extremely tough life.

Witherspoon is truly amazing, in every sense of the word. Hard to believe when the first adjective I think of when I hear Witherspoon's name is perky, right? Witherspoon adapts Strayed onto the big screen faultlessly, delivering every aspect of Strayed that her journey commands for. The best part of Cheryl Strayed is that audiences can relate with her and this happens mostly because of the internal monologues Witherspoon has with herself. After all, there is very little dialogue throughout the film due to this being a hike Strayed took by herself. Witherspoon gives us a Strayed that is buried with dark emotional feelings but never stops believing and drops that feisty attitude of hers and with the use of the internal monologues, the audience gets to know exactly what she is thinking as she hurdles through countless obstacle courses.

This is what makes Wild so good besides the performance from Witherspoon. Vallée gives us a film that is not only extravagant, thanks to the scenery and cinematography that allows us to see some of the amazing views found on the PCT, but personal as well as the film was never about just the physical battle that is the hike but the emotional battle. With each monologue Witherspoon has with herself, she grows, she becomes stronger, more awake to who she is and we become closer to the woman on this hike.

Sometimes the journey towards the light at the end of the tunnel is a quick one but for Cheryl Strayed it lasted 1,100 miles and the result was self-discovery, self-repair and the best performance Witherspoon has given to date.… Expand

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7

wornoutspinesMay 20, 2015

Wild has a really intriguing premise, the idea of a solo hike does it for me but I was wary that the movie lasted over 100min. What could possibly be entertaining about a women hiking alone from the Mexican border to the Canadian Border? AsWild has a really intriguing premise, the idea of a solo hike does it for me but I was wary that the movie lasted over 100min. What could possibly be entertaining about a women hiking alone from the Mexican border to the Canadian Border? As it turns out quite a lot.

At first, it’s hard to understand Cheryl, she definitely does not strike you as a someone who could do this. She bit off more than she can shew, it’s clearly naive of her. But as Cheryl is struggling on her hike flashbacks of her life before the Pacific Crest Trails are peppered throughout the movie and like anyone you’re getting to know she starts to make sense. You get to understand what she’s been through, who she is, and what motivated her to do this. It’s a challenge that she brought on herself for herself, something she needed.

And just like that a 115 minutes passes, during which you were taken on physical and soul searching journey with amazing landscapes, and a flawed but strong woman. Reese Witherspoon carries that film beautifully, she layered her performance with sensibility and a quiet strength that suited the character. I didn’t totally relate to Cheryl but I wasn’t completely impervious to her ordeal, I also have dreams and life-goals to achieve.

On a side note, it was recently pointed out to me I had never seen Wild as the female lead version of Into The Wild. I’ve never finished Sean Penn & Emile Hirsh’s hiking movie but from what I remember Into The Wild was much more wild and raw the dude wasn’t on a hiking trail but in the wilderness. These two movies only compare in the drives these two characters have to undertake their journey.

Wild is a beautiful movie about personal growth and living in one’s truth. @wornoutspines… Expand

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8

horizonbtsOct 29, 2015

I don't normally like movies with a lot of flashbacks, but this movie uses it so effectively that I couldn't see it have done any other way. It's was very effective and the beautiful scenery added in to generate the flashbacks was genius.I don't normally like movies with a lot of flashbacks, but this movie uses it so effectively that I couldn't see it have done any other way. It's was very effective and the beautiful scenery added in to generate the flashbacks was genius. The cinematic effects were creative and added to the quality of the movie and made it even more enjoyable. I have always liked Reese Witherspoon, but now see her in a new light as she gives her best performance of her life!! Overall this is one of those movies that leaves you with something to take with you, once you are finished watching. Top notch movie and one that I will watch again and again.… Expand

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7

DevilmathSep 27, 2015

After Song for Marion in 2012 and Labour Day in 2013, this year’s May Fair Hotel Gala enriched the London Film Festival with another bold, inspired feature: Wild. The film is based on Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild: From Lost to Found on the PacificAfter Song for Marion in 2012 and Labour Day in 2013, this year’s May Fair Hotel Gala enriched the London Film Festival with another bold, inspired feature: Wild. The film is based on Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail”, a memoir of her 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, and a best seller that topped many book club favourite lists in 2012, including The New York Times’ and Oprah’s. By the time the book was published, Pacific Standard (actress Reese Witherspoon’s recently created film company) had optioned it for film rights. With Witherspoon already cast as lead actress, English legend Nick Hornby writing the screenplay and Dallas Buyers Club’s Jean-Marc Vallée signed as director, Wild had all it needed to be a very interesting feature.

The film starts with young, attractive Cheryl renting a room in a motel by the Mojave Desert. As we watch her prepare her backpack and get ready to leave, we understand that the story is cutting straight to the point, and her journey is starting immediately. We soon realise that Cheryl is an amateur, and has no hiking experience; however, she has a very specific reason for taking on this adventure, and we don’t yet know what it is. Her journey is everything but an easy one: all daily errands, from mounting the tent to cooking freeze-dried food, are a struggle; the desert is hot and desolated, nights are scary, and her backpack is insanely heavy. Ten minutes into her hike, Cheryl is already thinking about quitting, but her motivation is too strong to just give up; when the first flashback of her past life begins, we have the proof that there’s much more at stake than a simple walk in the woods. Each of Cheryl’s life events was a step in the direction of the Pacific Trail. Her journey is a discovery process, and a chance to reflect and reconnect with what really matters; a challenge to herself, rather than a struggle with nature.

Wild is beautifully shot and daring, but doesn’t delve quite as deeply as we would expect from a character-driven film. Flashbacks and diary entries enlighten us on Cheryl’s past life and struggles, and gradually clarify her motivations. These segments run at the correct pace, and blend in naturally with the flow of the story; they satisfy our curiosity and define Cheryl’s character, but they don’t bring the plot forward. Meanwhile, Cheryl’s journey continues; the hike presents her with a series of threats, not always real, but invariably quick to disappear. Wild animals, creepy encounters and equipment failures are setbacks that enrich the journey only partially. At times, the hiking storyline feels like a frustrating interruption in the stream of flashbacks, raising the doubt on which of the two films is more interesting to watch. Despite all, Wild does a good job of leading us to sympathise with Cheryl. We wouldn’t want to be in her shoes, but we wish we had at least a fraction of her inspiration.… Expand

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8

EpicLadySpongeFeb 22, 2016

Wild is wild. [Pun included because normally it is a pun and no other puns can be made to stop the pun chain from going] [Filling in the rest of the characters required to make this review a review]

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7

JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017

Much more entertaining than I expected, Wild is a serious and well-done work, supported entirely by its protagonist and its story which is a story of self-discovery and redemption, deep and sad, dark at times and revealing in others, WildMuch more entertaining than I expected, Wild is a serious and well-done work, supported entirely by its protagonist and its story which is a story of self-discovery and redemption, deep and sad, dark at times and revealing in others, Wild delivers good accounts and it's a movie worth seeing.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is an adventure drama film based on a biographical memoir. I felt the viewer wasn't given much in the way of context to explain why Cheryl embarked on her journey - what has brought her to where she is and so on.

As the plot develops, we discover more about her background, her past, key memories and experiences and I felt she came across as a relatively flawed character, a free spirit type but also she was someone who could be looked up at, in terms of doing what she did - not so much before but at the main time the film takes place, she is shown to be a doggedly determined person, a fairly strong willed one at that.

I liked that she didn't come across, visually and otherwise, as a vulnerable, fragile woman. At times she could be thought of as somewhat of a role model to adolescent women, for her lack of vanity and determination, although its also true that she's made some mistakes in the past (which I won't go in to). The film features narration in the form of Cheryl's voice narrating what was thought to be going through her head at times - this was somewhat haunting in tone at times and I felt it did well to allow the viewer to imagine what it must have been like for her at the time. Both the camerawork and narration was quite good at highlighting how isolated and nervous Cheryl was while she was on the long hike. The camerawork is somewhat jerky but I felt that worked quite well as it sort of highlighted her tiredness and also her necessity to check her surroundings. I like that she seems partly at ease with her enforced isolation at times, due to being in the big rural 'out there'.

Cast wise, Reece Witherspoon plays the main character, Cheryl. I thought she did particularly well at playing Cheryl - she very much had the look of the strong willed Cheryl, as I've already said and she seemed to give a very realistic, authentic performance, being someone easy to admire in some respects and also to worry for in others. I could feel myself rooting for her when she challenges some peoples presumptions about her. Other cast members include Laura Dern who plays Bobbi, Thomas Sadoski who plays Paul and Keene McRae who plays Leif, while W. Earl Brown plays Frank. Some of the music played was quite well chosen, so I felt, at adding to the general 'wanderlust' type atmosphere or tone of the film. The music I noticed was mainly grunge or sometimes folk type songs. Content wise, this film contains some bloody injuries, that of injuries suffered while on the trail and which may make some people feel queasy or faint, violence, strong language, multiple sex references and sex scenes, plus drug references and fairly graphic scenes of drug taking/ingesting. The film features some mature themes, about preservation and dealing with upsetting personal setbacks and so it carries a 15 rating to reflect all of this.

Overall, I felt this was quite a genuine, authentic feeling film. Its quite poignant and thought provoking and features a good performance from Reece Witherspoon - there's little I can think of to criticise it, other than that I found the start a bit lacking in context or other basic information but then the film does slowly reveal her background as the plot develops.

I'd say its a relatively under stated film - its not one of the few films that has massively moved me or that I regard as particularly amazing but, as I say, its a good film, one thats well made and that is somewhat haunting and memorable in its own way, so I'd say its worth a watch.… Expand

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