Wild at Heart (1990) Review in 2025
Wild at Heart is a dark and twisted road trip movie that follows Sailor Ripley as he embarks on a journey to rescue his girlfriend from her mother.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes, violence, and strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
Wild at Heart is a must-see for fans of dark drama, thriller, and romance. It's a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, viewer discretion is advised due to mature themes, violence, and strong language.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn when Sailor discovers that his girlfriend's mother is actually a manipulative and controlling woman who will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique blend of drama, thriller, and romance elements. However, some viewers may find the plot twists to be a bit predictable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Nicolas Cage delivering a tour-de-force performance as Sailor Ripley. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Laura Dern and Diane Ladd.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Nicolas Cage delivering a standout performance as the troubled Sailor Ripley. However, some viewers may find the supporting characters to be a bit one-dimensional.
direction9.50/10
David Lynch's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of intense action sequences and quiet, introspective moments.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a mix of vibrant colors and moody lighting that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the film. The camera work is also noteworthy, with some impressive tracking shots and close-ups.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Unique blend of drama, thriller, and romance elements, standout performances from Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, stunning cinematography and direction.
Cons
Some viewers may find the plot twists to be a bit predictable, supporting characters can be a bit one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a liar, I'm a truth-teller!"
"You're a liar, you're a liar, you're a liar!"
"You're a manipulator, you're a controller, you're a monster!"
