Review of Wild (2014) by Julia L — 22 Mar 2015

There are very few stories with strong female leads not involving children and/or romantic partners. Therefore I was looking forward to "Wild", since I read it was about the journey of discovery of a single woman.

Turns out, the "single" woman was a promiscuous divorcee and her discovery boiled down to "whatever I did wrong, I would do it again".

The story is based on Cheryl Strayed real-life1100 miles hike on the PCT, fuelled by the death of her beloved mother and her descent into despair and debauchery. Unfortunately, the movie is edited in the most annoying way, with continuous flashbacks that made me feel nauseous and far too many close-up of Reese Witherspoon.

The straightforward plot was scrambled and served on screen unremittingly moving back and forward in time. We were also given many chances to ogle Witherspoon's toned abs and perk bottom while she indulged in her debauchery and drug use. Otherwise, it was her cute face filling the screen and leaving very little space for the beautiful landscape.

Even if much criticized, I did not find Witherspoon's performance bad. Her character was not supposed to be sunny and easy-going; therefore her bad attitude, fear and depression were appropriate. However, I agree that her character is mostly unlikable and the only word she seems to know and use is "F..k"... so much for her alleged level of "sophistication".