Wild (2014) Review in 2025
Wild is a biographical drama film based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir 'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail'. The movie follows Cheryl's 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, where she faces numerous challenges and discovers herself.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
Wild is a must-see for fans of drama, adventure, and self-discovery. It's a powerful and inspiring film that will leave you feeling motivated and uplifted.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie starts with Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) facing a series of personal struggles, including the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage. She decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 1,100-mile journey, to find herself and heal. Along the way, she meets various people, including a gruff but kind park ranger (Lance Mackey) and a fellow hiker (Damian Ulrich). Cheryl's journey is not without its challenges, including encounters with wild animals, harsh weather conditions, and her own personal demons. However, with each step, she becomes stronger and more confident, eventually discovering a sense of purpose and belonging.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is well-written and engaging, with a strong narrative that explores themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action, drama, and quiet moments.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Reese Witherspoon delivering a tour-de-force performance as Cheryl Strayed. The supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances from Laura Dern and Gaby Hoffmann.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Reese Witherspoon delivering a standout performance as Cheryl Strayed. The supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances from Laura Dern and Gaby Hoffmann.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with Jean-Marc Vallée bringing a sense of authenticity and grit to the film. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail and the harsh conditions that Cheryl faces.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the natural landscape and a keen eye for detail. The use of lighting and color is also excellent, adding to the overall mood and atmosphere of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's strong narrative, well-developed characters, and stunning cinematography make it a standout film. Reese Witherspoon's performance is also excellent, bringing depth and nuance to the role of Cheryl Strayed.
Cons
The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes of grief and healing to be too intense. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent film.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a runner. I'm a hiker."
"I'm not running away from my problems. I'm running towards my happiness."
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
