Wild (2014) Film Review
Reese Witherspoon has really picked up her A-game these past few years, from Water For Elephants, to Mud, she's finally come full-form in Wild. Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, Wild follows the story of Strayed herself, embarking on a journey of self-realisation and inner-peace, by hiking the 1,100 mile (1,770km) Pacific Crest Trail (or the PCT for short).
Directed by the masterful director Jean-Marc Vallèe, who has directed fantastic films such as Dallas Buyers Club and The Young Victoria, already there's a pre-conceived idea that Wild is going to be another roaring cinematic success story.
The film has a fantastic pace, firstly we're introduced to Strayed as she stuffs her oversized hiker-backpack in the hotel room she is staying in before the start of her hike. She struggles to prop the bag onto her back, let alone stand up with it on. But slowly, as the film progresses, this innocent naivety slowly fades into a courageous spirit that is prevalent throughout the entirety of the second half of the film. We, as the audience, feel this spirit, as well as a sense of hope and positivity, as Strayed is forced to deal with the demons of her past (represented through a series of flashbacks), and uses these demons to push herself even further.
Wild is one of those films that make you feel really good inside. There are some extremely dark scenes, and some really heartbreaking ones too, but I realised that without these heartbreaks, we're never going to get anywhere in life, because that's what drives us to be better, and stronger. It's rare that a film teaches me such a relevant life lesson, but Wild, (as well as being a true story), spoke to something that is deep inside of me, and I'm happy it did.
Witherspoon is nominated for best actress for the academy awards, as well as Laura Dern (Strayed's mother) for best supporting actress.
I give Wild four and a half (one-size too small) hiking-boots out of five.
