Wild is a very spiritual film; a story of self-discovery as a young woman hikes over 1000 miles after her life’s gone to shambles. It’s also very serene, sad, funny and unnerving. Most importantly however, Wild is one of the best films of 2014, along with having one of the strongest performances of 2014. Cheryl Stayed (Reese Witherspoon) has had a really messed up life; a difficult childhood, a self-destructed marriage, heavy drug problems, her estranged relationship with her family, and the death of her cancer-ridden mother (Laura Dern). At her wits end, Cheryl decides on a make it or break it decision; to hike over a 1000 miles across the Pacific Crest Trail. She has no experience and no one to accompany her; yet with nothing holding her back, Cheryl builds up the determination and takes a life changing journey, one where she’ll either rediscover herself, or break down trying.
Director Jean-Marc Vallée has developed a wonderful habit of bringing the best out of his lead actor; last year Vallée’s Dallas Buyers Club gave Matthew McConaughey his finest performance to date, while Wild gives Witherspoon her best performance since Walk the Line (possibly even better). Witherspoon is engrossed into her role as Cheryl, working effectively with the various scenes. When the film requires comedy she delivers the laughs, when the film requires tension she delivers the fear, and when the film requires drama she delivers an array of complex emotional feelings. The viewer develops a caring relationship with Cheryl as the film progresses; I wanted her to succeed the hike, and felt sympathy when learning about her trouble past.
Cheryl’s inner-monologues and flashbacks help the viewer develop a deeper connection with her, learning where she’s coming from and empathize with her reactions. The flashbacks are not shown in chronological order (often jumping from high school to childhood to young adult life), yet surprisingly work effectively. The viewer learns aspects of Cheryl’s life where it is most reflecting to said part of her journey, with never a time of confusion over how the flashbacks are organized. Cheryl’s past is full of vices; she’s discouraged her mother’s positive outlook, cheated constantly on her husband, and was once a heavy drug addict. Such vices have understandable reasoning, yet are shown before such sympathetic revelations; surprisingly this never came across irritable or alienating while watching, which almost certainly has much to do with Witherspoon's performance. Witherspoon makes her character personable and appealing right from the git-go, with the inner-monologues quickly developing her true feelings; straight from the opening scenes it’s clear Cheryl’s not a bad person, so rather get annoyed by her negative actions, I became intrigued as to how she developed as such.
The film’s editing combined with Witherspoon's performance work hand in hand with effectively showcasing a fleshed out, enjoyably likable character. The film’s most memorable, heartwarming/heartbreaking scene comes near the journey’s end (SPOILERS START), where Cheryl finally breaks down in tears after hearing a young boy sing. The scene nearly brought a tear to my eye as I felt Cheryl’s pain, happiness, and feeling of achievement at everything she’d accomplished throughout her journey (SPOILERS END). Just as McConaughey won best actor last year, I predict Witherspoon to win her second best actress award for such a performance (though considering the amount of Oscar blunders so far this year, I wouldn't be surprised if they mess this up as well). Whether the Oscars screw up or not doesn't change Wild from being a terrific film with an amazing performance to boot; while it’s certainly out of theaters by now, I highly suggest renting it when it’s released on Blu-Ray and DVD (or whatever method usable to view it)!
