Review of Wild (2014) by Michael S — 21 May 2015

Safe. That's how "Wild" can be described. It follows the adventure of a woman as she attempts to hike a trail through the wilderness. As she does, she is reminded of her turbulent past. It's reminiscent of "Into the Wild" and "127 Hours." However, nothing as traumatic happens to Reese Witherspoon's character, Cheryl, as it does to the true-life heroes of those films.

While it consists of one of Reese Witherspoon's best performances, "Wild" remains on a safe and somber trail from start to finish. This doesn't hinder the film. It's very pleasant and interesting, but nothing extreme ever happens to Cheryl. The audience waits for her to get into some kind of trouble. Is that creepy farmer going to kidnap her? Is that guy pulling over to pick her up on the side of the road going to hurt her? Are those hunters going to rape her? Nope. She always seems to bypass trouble.

The film plays off as a rape survivor story. Cheryl is always on edge when around men. Every man seems to want to have sex with her. The audience is left to wonder if she is going to get into trouble. Did something happen in her past to warrant this fear of men? Nope. Sure, it's revealed that she has an overly sexual past, but never forced on her. There is a correlation between her sexual nature and her journey, but it isn't apparent.

Again, the film is pleasant and interesting. However, a movie called "Wild" would suggest something a little more wild.