Movie Review: Wild (+trailer)

Reese Witherspoon in Wild is captivating.

In the abyss of the film industry rarely do we find emotional sensibility. It is banter, nothing particularly resonant, an unfailingly predictable car chase or a fantastical landscape. Appropriately, it is supply and demand.

This type of movie escape provides ample opportunity for both dreaming and enjoying the happy triumphs of leading characters.

If you want brutal honesty, and near movie-making perfection, go see Wild.

It is a reminder of life's gifts and the challenge of handling them with raw honesty. This film does beautiful justice to Cheryl Strayed's memoir.

The story is set in 1995 as Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) sets out to candidly challenge herself on a 1609km hike.

Poisoned by reckless addiction, divorce and the death of her mother (Laura Dern), she's off on the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to Canada) - alone.

It's the desperation to better herself which leads her to the antidote of existence. Don't get me wrong. It's not depressing as much as it's endearing.

This journey of perseverance and self-discovery is bolstered by Cheryl's unwavering humour; satirical, at best.

Perhaps the most interesting element of the film is that she's neither a passive victim nor a saint. Rather, she's human. Albeit ill-equipped, her sincerity and resilience captivate.

Quotes from Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost and James A. Michener aid and abet the charm offensive of Wild.

Instinctively, one might avoid reminders of grief, except this isn't about grief, it's about triumph.

With our childhoods farewelled years ago, it's time to rediscover the magic of fairy tales, and to remember what we once knew.

Every story has a happy ending, doesn't it?

Wild

(R16), 125 minutes

Rating: 4/5 stars