Metacritic reviews

Deep down, it’s a story about family and how the strong bond of the family comes in many different and imperfect forms. The cast gives it their all and finds the heart of this sweet narrative.

Despite feeling overcrowded and at times unevenly paced, Wildflower is a warm coming-of-age tale that amplifies the stories of underrepresented groups in the media. In addition to highlighting the complications that come with growing up, it reminds you to appreciate the people who appreciate you back.

Even when it strays away from its core messaging, Wildflower never steps on a mine. And when you’re working your way through a minefield, you call that a win every time.

A terrific cast can only do so much with superficial, maudlin material in the coming-of-age dramedy Wildflower.

Shipka ably handles the responsibility of leading the story, but the director Matt Smukler has a harder time balancing the charming and empathetic ensemble performances with the script’s constantly judgmental tone.

While director Matt Smukler and screenwriter Jana Savage deliver moments throughout the film that feel vividly real, too often they veer into the maudlin or cutesy, as though trying to soften this material for the broadest possible audience.

Despite a fantastic cast, Wildflower doesn’t live up to its potential, and uses its disabled characters as vehicles to drive the main character’s story, which will leave a bitter taste in your mouth after all is said and done.