Wildlike (2014) User Reviews (48)

Humanly portrayed the tough subject

[cheer88 · 8/10 · 28 September 2015]

I chose to watch it in spite of good reviews. The fundamental part of the story is chellanging. There are wide ranges of sexual abuses existing in our society. The percentage of crimes being reported is shamefully low. This movie is the testimony of it.

In my view, the part how Bart (played by Greenwood) handled the situation after he found out the truth was crucial. It portrayed the deep concern of Bart's part about Mackenzie's well being humanly. He did not pass judgments on Mackenzie even she attempted to seduce him earlier. He somehow understood her behaviors. I would say this movie sieved the humanity through a series of unfortunate events. The director had keen eyes to present the positives through the negatives in life.

Human beings are resilient and uplifting sometimes even in worst circumstances. This movie undoubtedly depicted that at least. The director left the untold ending behind which I would say is better than telling it all. If you like to have reflections after, this will be the one.

Great Chemistry Between the Two Main Leads and a Pretty Well-Developed Plot

[SquigglyCrunch · 7/10 · 26 September 2016]

Wildlike follows a teenage girl as she goes to live with her uncle. She soon realizes that circumstances at home with her uncle are unbearable and ultimately she runs away, where she meets an older man about to go hiking.

I love the title. It's a simple word that is rarely used in the English language, and it fits the movie pretty well. It's a small thing that proves that the director gave a bigger crap about this movie than some others might've.

There are some pretty nice scenic shots in this movie. They aren't anything I haven't seen before, but they were pretty at least.

The actors are pretty good. I bought each performance, and the writing accompanying them was pretty good too. It was like each part was written for the actor who played them. They manage to embody these characters really well.

The movie spends a decent amount of time developing certain plot points. I specifically appreciated this at the beginning of the movie when the girl and her uncle first start living together. Their relationship is pretty well developed, although short lived, and there're a couple great scenes involving the uncle alone in his room. We as the audience see the turning point in him when he decides to make living with him unbearable, and we see him struggling with this decision and it's something we just don't see every often in movies. It brings humanity to the bad guy right off the bat, and I really appreciated that.

The two main characters Kenzie and Bart have really good chemistry, and I really enjoyed seeing them on screen together and interacting and all that.

I quite enjoyed the soundtrack as well. There were a handful of good songs throughout, and most of them suited the movie pretty well too.

Unfortunately the story does fall flat on it's face from time to time. When the actual hiking starts it's kind of forced. There's not really a good reason for it to actually happen and serves more as filler, character development, and scenic shots. The last two of those things are good, but like I said, it's pretty forced. You as the audience are able to understand for the most part why it happens, but it's still kind of dumb.

Overall Wildlike is pretty good. There's some great chemistry between the two main characters, some good actors, the main 'antagonist' is great and very human, the soundtrack is good and the scenery is pretty, but the plot is often forced for the sake of story progression. In the end I'd recommend this movie.

Just see it (on a large screen if you can).

[fashinrashin · 8/10 · 25 September 2015]

Ella Purnell is actually Mary Pickford, she doesn't have to say a thing, she is that much of a natural.

Can the English acting fraternity just stop sending one breakout ingénue after another already, its becoming embarrassing for the young American actors. Bruce Greenwood knocks it out of the park AGAIN. He just cant help himself, one award winning turn after another that doesn't get seen. Bravisimo to all on this film , a great job, it must have been a lot of fun to make this film on location !! The bear deserves woolly applause too, as does the majestic Alaskan seascapes and landscapes , I cannot recommend this indie enough.

Sensitive and effective

[Red_Identity · 4 January 2016]

It would be a mistake to say that this film could've worked without the strong, effective performances by the two main characters. They do a great job of carrying the film, and probably make it better than it has any right to be. Don't get me wrong, that's not to say that the film isn't good. It is, in fact, but I do wish the screenplay had been refined just a little bit more in order to really have the full effect of what the film's ambition is aiming for. As it is, it still gets its point across pretty well, and it definitely deserves a wider audience than the one it has gotten. Definitely recommended for all people interested in a sensitive, subtle film.

All good until the lazy ending

[eyeintrees · 7/10 · 26 April 2016]

At no time did I not feel for the female lead in this movie. The actress portrayed the huge struggles in her life with her face and eyes despite the minimal script, or because of it... and all the trauma of being abused, afraid, entrapped, alone and homeless, and then surviving as best she could, with utmost realism. Not once did she err on the side of overacting or melodrama.

The male leads were also perfectly cast and did an excellent job.

I have no idea what was going on with the countryside in the Alaskan mountains, whereby either the camera was hand-held and the scenery was jumping or it was superimposed... that was weird but only lasted for about 10 minutes of the movie... not in a big way but it was a little amateurish.

I would have liked to have learned why the girl's father died... we didn't and so, under the assumption that her mother was an addict who was supposed to be in 'treatment' but who checked herself out and disappeared, did this poor young protagonist have a father who od'd, was dysfunctional etc etc??

I got the impression that the situation presenting in this movie regarding the sexual abuse was not new to the girl in the role and that perhaps this 14 year old had just being going the 'easy route' with a long list of abusive mother's boyfriends for years... it certainly wasn't portrayed as if this kind of abuse was new to her, rather that the way she had learned to cope with it was to deal with it as per the movie shows.

In my experience, if a young person feels unsupported and that there is no one who cares or to turn to, they develop low key coping mechanisms but begin to show the long term side effects of the abuse as a 'life skill'.

All very well done until the worst ending in living history, making me feel I had just sat and watched an intelligent and powerful movie until the director or somebody got bored and yelled 'cut' without any even vaguely, not even close to an intelligent ending.

I have no idea what happened. Frankly, the guy should have been taken to the police and so on. No idea what happens in the end. I was left feeling like a pancake... flat and covered in layers of sugar coated junk.

Was that the end?

[birdiejr-576-278777 · 7/10 · 29 March 2021]

Loved the Alaska scenery! The cast was outstanding and did a great job. You feel the emotion of the entire movie. Beware of the ending bc it just makes you wanna curse!!

Not a thriller, more a good drama.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 22 February 2020]

I wouldn't categorize Wildlike as a thriller, even though the plot could have gone that way, as for that there isn't enough suspense present in this movie. It's a drama, a well acted drama, with great sceneries in the background. Ella Purnell did a good job playing her character Mackenzie, as well as did Bruce Greenwood playing his character Bartlet. It's a slow paced movie, not much action but it doesn't need it as the story is strong enough to keep you interested. I don't know the budget, probably pretty low, but it's a proof you don't need a big budget to make a good movie. It's worth watching, just don't expect too much thrills as it's not that kind of movie.

A story about loss and the dealing with it

[StAdrian · 7/10 · 14 September 2018]

It is a good - quite classic - story about loss leading to a journey. It's about losing trust, about losing someone and about finding some measure of meaning and a bearing. The writer does a great job finding the (sometimes) subtle ways sexual abuse creeps in. Albeit not very profound, the movie is definitely good.

The negative points: the editing and the sound. When a river sounds like a rustled plastic bag, you have a problem with your sound. When the cutting between scenes makes you move your eyes a little too much, then you know the guy isn't doing a good job - the director didn't talk to the editor beforehand. These two problems appear at times and they were a bit annoying. Other than that, it's a neat job!

Well done

[reidcom · 9/10 · 7 June 2016]

Not only does this film (through its actors and director) tackle a difficult subject with sensitivity and a realistic touch, but its portrayal of a trip to Alaska is spot on. Having lived and traveled there for several years I think the film captures the sights, travel and exploring the Great Land in an equally honest and straightforward way.

The actors neither overplay their roles nor sleep through their performances.

Not a Hollywood blockbuster and not filmed with a blockbuster budget. And maybe that's why this film succeeds on several levels.

Well done.

one of the most borish movies

[socal_or_bust · 3/10 · 1 August 2016]

The only reason I gave a three was of the Alaskin beauty. The lead female actor was terrible. The plot held no real adventure. The story line left you wanting. that's 2 hours of my life I can't get back. The mistake made here was for the female actor to assume everyone understood her pain without her ever saying a word. And yet she go from place to place bumming her way back home. Realistically she would of found a better way to handle it. I hope you got more out of this film than I did and enjoyed it Sadly this film was greatly exaggerated as far as the amount of stars. Who was watching this rating it that high? little old ladies?

Outstanding debut!

[vanguardus · 9/10 · 20 October 2014]

Saw this at the Woodstock film festival - still thinking about this film. The entire team did an amazing job with difficult subject-matter. They captured the dynamics and emotional significance of the abusive situation while retaining a strong positive sense of life, elements that come from the script and direction - all by the same man. The acting by the entire cast is outstanding. I love the heroine (and that is what she is) and the performance had me always rooting for her! Very glad that the always excellent Bruce Greenwood was cast in a critical role because the credibility of his performance is essential to the credibility of the resolution. Also love that the film is serious without being dark or depressing. I hope many more audiences have a chance to see this film, including young people. As a former prosecutor for these cases I saw so much that could be talked about by young audiences and really want to see this film in wider distribution!

Sensitive survival-in-the-wilderness drama

[shakercoola · 6/10 · 18 October 2018]

An American drama; A story about a gruff backpacker who helps a troubled teenager trek through the Alaskan wilderness to make her way back home to Seattle. This coming-of-age drama has landscapes and vistas which provide a backdrop to the edgy topics and internal conflicts in the characters. It is a compelling drama, well written and with engaging and accomplished performances from its two leads, Ella Purnell and Bruce Greenwood. Cinematography is good with some exhilirating photographic work, but sound recording is occasionally substandard and there are brief lulls in story pace, notably with the introduction of the kite fliers.

great photography- goes nowhere

[watcher2019 · 5/10 · 27 March 2020]

If you havea spare hour or so watch this. Not much going on iam afraid it except great scenery. Yes, the 2 lead roles were very good. It was so slow i baked a loaf of bread and a couple of batches of scones as there really wasnt any need to pay any real attention as nothing happened. You could have watch 5 mins of the start 5 mins of the middle and 5 of the end and got the full story.

Haunting, yet remarkably hopeful - An important and enduring story

[nataliehmayes · 9/10 · 18 November 2014]

WildLike unfolds beautifully on screen - an authentic and thoughtful tale of recovery, relationships, healing and hope.

Mackenzie (Ella Purnell) must leave Washington state and go live with her uncle (Brian Geraghty) when her troubled mother enters a treatment and counseling program. Although seemingly conflicted, his lingering, uncomfortable gazes eventually give way to inappropriate behavior, and Mackenzie decides to flee his custody and find her way home. However she quickly realizes that Juneau will be difficult to leave, fully bordered by either mountains or water. A chance encounter with the recently widowed backpacker, Rene Bartlett (Bruce Greenwood), evolves into a method of escape, and Bart finds himself an unwitting partner in Mackenzie's plan to return to Seattle. Set amidst the majestic Alaskan wilderness - a place of boundless beauty, challenges and respite - their journey soon becomes more important than the destination. Free from distractions, Bart and Mackenzie (small against this magnificent landscape), experience the power of redemption and restoration. When Bart realizes the gravity of Mackenzie's situation, his concern for her deepens, and he realizes that her salvation is dependent upon his reaction.

This is a quiet, subtle film. In fact, there are times when the mountains seem to speak loudest. Indecencies against children are far too common, and they frequently happen in a "non-Hollywood" manner; often discreetly and calmly perpetrated by those closest to the victim. Attempts to navigate life and its relationships, after being victimized, are fraught with difficulties, leaving survivors confused and distrustful. Modern movies have become somewhat scarce on pure heroes. Even "good guys" are frequently so flawed that it's difficult to really root for them. The strength and tenacity shown by Purnell's character, along with the true unfettered goodness exuded by Greenwood, are welcome and refreshing.

WildLike masterfully proves that sometimes the Last Frontier is actually the beginning of a new life.

Teenage girl and her creepy uncle in Alaska.

[TxMike · 26 February 2021]

We came across this movie on Amazon streaming. The young British actress Ella Purnell is very good in the role of 14-yr-old Mackenzie, her performance carries the movie. Bruce Greenwood is his old reliable self as Bart, the recent widower who is on a presumably solo hiking and camping trip in Denali.

Her mother is having some issues and is unable to properly care for her daughter, so Mackenzie is sent to live for a while with her uncle in Alaska. He gets creepy right away, crawling into her bed at night, so when she gets a chance she grabs her backpack of belongings and heads away, with no particular destination in mind. She just wants to get away.

She encounters Bart entirely by accident, she starts to follow him, he tries to get rid of her but she is persistent. He senses something is very troubling to the girl but she won't talk about it. As a viewer it was a bit frustrating that she wouldn't talk about her situation and why she was in the wilds alone.

This is a quite different take on teenage angst and frankly as the last 15 to 20 minutes concluded I was happy with the way it was scripted. Bart did some things that set the girl up for better prospects and gave the creepy uncle some incentives to never bother her again.

My wife and I enjoyed the viewing.

Meh ....

[jfh-72320 · 5/10 · 27 January 2021]

Entire premise of the movie takes place in the first 20 minutes. The rest of the movie is filler for the scenery. The and purpose stay the same then entire movie.

Some ridiculous things occur. First, no way could she have gotten away from her uncle that easy. Especially with his friend standing along the way.

Second, merely report her to hotel security when she keeps hanging around. Problem solved, she's no longer a nuisance.

Third, all these Ferry and Bus rides aren't free. Yet, she can sneak around unnoticed

Powerful Film

[dmorring · 9/10 · 16 November 2014]

Saw this at Austin Film Festival. Wildlike tackles a very difficult topic with great sensitivity. Powerful filmmaking. Beautiful imagery. Concise, strong writing. Great acting.

Ella Purnell (MacKenzie) strikes a wonderful balance between troubled teen and innocent victim. I really appreciated the subtleties of her performance. But the character that brought humanity and hope to film was Rene Bartlett played by Bruce Greenwood. Greenwood creates a quiet, modern-day hero, not one with superpowers and a cape, but a common man guided by his principles and integrity.

In a wilderness as remote and vast as Alaska, Wildlike never gets lost.

Ending?

[jesseburd · 5/10 · 14 February 2021]

It's slow and has no ending, not terrible, but it's not worth your time either, also I hate movies with no real ending, this is one of those movies

Elegant

[elevator442 · 9/10 · 16 March 2015]

I liked the film- thoughtful, visually engrossing, and deft in the complicated unraveling of the protagonist's story with a sensitivity that conveys a genuine understanding of humanity's harsher realities. Greenwood and Purnell delivered in what I'd have to call the redemption of all things good in humanity in an environment that doesn't nurture such things. Inspiring. Good storytelling here is the reason. Dealing with subject matter as potentially volatile and devastating as this can be without losing sight of the story is a very good summation of Frank Hall Green's skill as a filmmaker. I wouldn't be surprised if WILDLIKE became something of a benchmark film for a number of organizations who provide services and support for victims. This isn't a story of victimization however- it's the story of resilience and how even the simplest of gestures can result in profound hope and recovery. Highly recommend!

just weird

[Nazz86 · 5/10 · 8 February 2021]

I dont even know, the main character just seems braindead and ultra unrealistic, but the film tries hard to be realistic?

nothing about this movie makes any sense and 90% of the scenes are just filler and confusing.

Excellent

[LouieInLove · 8/10 · 10 August 2016]

It's really well cast. There are no risks taken with the casting which leads to the film simply being really well cast, which in turn adds to the believability of the aesthetic & therefore the story.

The story is subtle without over-dramatisation, which makes it all the more realistic & allows the viewer to be carried along with ease. The subject matter itself is approached with respect & a gentle hand. I found the end very moving, as the child is offered hope of a childhood.

Often films of this nature can be too dramatic, too dark, which leads the viewer to be repulsed & empathy can be lost in that mix. However! This film offers hope above all else. We know there are awful humans in this world & that children fall foul to them via circumstance, but there is good in this world too, there is hope.

Well written piece.

Warning

[damienlhudson · 2/10 · 26 August 2018]

The early section of this movie has a scene of sexual abuse which was very difficult to endure, although it was necessary for the plot and understanding the main character and was not sensationalized or particularly graphic. Once through that, I really enjoyed the movie, it's plot, characters and premise.

Good character study

[daveh282001-893-288947 · 8/10 · 1 March 2021]

Mackenzie is a neglected 14 year-old who's only option is to live with an uncle who betrays her terribly by abusing her. Or run away, which she eventually does. Fate brings her into the life of Rene. Will he finally be her anchor in a bleak life?

A pretty face can dress up mediocre pablum

[xXtheoversoulXx · 5/10 · 3 March 2021]

This flick was mediocre pablum set within the gorgeous backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. +5 for setting +3 for a pretty face -3 for mediocre pablum By common core math, and by all other mathematical algorithms, that puts us squarely in 5 of 10 territory. Well done team. Stolen hotel muffins at 9AM.