WildLike

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.