Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, "Wild" follows its protagonist (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon) as she sets out on a 1,000-mile journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.
As with any good movie that showcases a personal journey, it is much more than a tail of literal survival when facing nature.
In following Cheryl's journey on the PCT, "Wild" is interspersed with flashbacks to her childhood and the series of questionable choices she made after her mother died. These memories jump onto the screen just as they would pop into Cheryl's mind while she pushes forward, and they are some of the strongest points of the film.
The juxtaposition of some of the claustrophobic moments of her past with the expansive cinematography of the PCT is downright striking, creating a visual metaphor for Cheryl's internal journey in "Wild."
Some movies can get carried away with these flashbacks or get stuck on non-essential plot points, but "Wild" is streamlined, giving viewers just the essentials they need to get an idea of the turmoil that has filled Cheryl's life. This does leave the way for some unanswered questions about Cheryl's backstory and what the future may bring, but "Wild" still manages to bring things full circle. It is a cohesive story from start to finish.
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And while it may seem dour and depressing -- it does have its moments -- "Wild" is ultimately quite uplifting, putting on display the power of personal fortitude, showcased by the story arcs for Cheryl and Bobbi.
In the flashbacks, Laura Dern is perfect as Bobbi, Cheryl's mom, as is Thomas Sadoski as Cheryl's husband, Paul. And although she just has one sequence, Gaby Hoffman does a terrific job as Aimee, Cheryl's friend who helps push her in the right direction.
However, a little suspension of disbelief is required in the scenes that Dern and Witherspoon share as mother and daughter, as it is a bit hard to believe that dynamic (Dern is only nine years older than Witherspoon).
At the center of "Wild," Witherspoon is fantastic as Cheryl, going all-in to deliver a performance that makes you forget she made her name on romantic comedies, just as director Jean-Marc Vallee did last year with Matthew McConaughey in "Dallas Buyers Club."
Despite my own thoughts on "Dallas Buyers Club" and the McConaissance, it is clear Vallee is becoming a director to watch, from 2005's "C.R.A.Z.Y." and 2009's "The Young Victoria" to next year's "Demolition," which follows an investment banker as he struggles with the death of his wife and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts and Chris Cooper.
