CHERYL STRAYED'S IS A REMARKABLE STORY
Cert 15
115 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sex, drug use
'Reese Witherspoon is great but not a lot happens, does it?'
In a nutshell that was the joint verdict of Miss W and Mrs W towards Wild, a movie based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed, a reformed drug addict who walked 1,000 miles to allay her personal demons.
I saw what they meant but I thought Jean-Marc Vallee's film was very good, particularly given the unpromising context of a woman, on her own, on a long walk.
Vallee directed the excellent Dallas Buyers Club and his method-style is again demonstrated here.
For example, I have seen an interview with Witherspoon who says she wasn't allowed to practice putting up a tent before doing so on film. Therefore, her frustration is real.
Wild combines the hardship of the walk along the Pacific Crest Trail with flashbacks to Strayed's life and, in particular, her relationship with her mother (Laura Dern).
The two are in great contrast, the former having cleansing qualities combined with the latter which was a mire of drug-fuelled horror.
Throughout the film, Witherspoon, who is one of its producers, is terrific, reflecting Strayed's gradually changing outlook on life with aplomb.
Wild wouldn't have been as good a movie as I think it is without being a true story.
The real Cheryl Strayed was consulted throughout and her daughter actually appears in the film.
Strayed's is a remarkable story which Vallee and Witherspoon bring to life with skill and understanding.
Cheryl Strayed on Reese Witherspoon: "She understood, in a very intuitive way, what I was trying to do with the book so I was thrilled that she wanted to do that with the film".
Reasons to watch: An emotional true story, brilliantly acted by Reese Witherspoon.
Reasons to avoid: There are not many action high points.
Laughs: one
Jumps: one
Vomit: yes
Nudity: yes
Overall rating 8/10
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