All the Wilderness

All the Wilderness is a 2014 coming-of-age drama which encapsulates the emotional journey of a young boy wrestling with personal loss and isolation who eventually discovers himself by connecting with the world outside. It earthily combines surreal images, strong emotion and powerful performances, which amalgamates into a thought-provoking cinematic spectacle. Directed by Michael Johnson, this indie feature expertly explores the themes of grief, growth, and adolescence, as played out in Portland's vibrant and sometimes dangerous landscapes.

The film narrates the life of James (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a socially awkward teenager who is reeling from the sudden death of his father. James is a bit of an eccentric; he is highly intelligent, loves photography and is fascinated by death. His world is thrust into emotional upheaval as he sifts through the emotional wreckage of his father's demise. His mother Abigail (Virginia Madsen), on the other hand, attempts to maintain a semblance of normalcy, although pockets of her own grief frequently rise to the surface. The tension between the mother and son duo is palpable, as each individually strains to cope with their shared loss.

Stifled and suppressed in his own world, James frequently retreats into his passion for nature and wilderness, attempting to make sense of his tumultuous emotions. His world starts to broaden when he meets Harmon (Evan Ross), a street-smart, enigmatic stranger who introduces James to Portland's nightlife - filled with misfits, mysteries, and adventures.

As he delves deeper into this strange new world, James also strikes up an unforeseen camaraderie with Val (Isabelle Fuhrman), a keen musician and clubber who brings color into his morose existence. Through her, James experiences an awakening, a hint of romantic love and consequential heartaches. Fuhrman impresses as Val, bringing a sense of authenticity to the character that tugs at your heartstrings.

Kodi Smit-McPhee's silent, brooding portrayal of James is a highlight of the movie. He successfully manages to portray the complexity and depth of his character, bringing forth a touching performance which makes the audience sympathetically invested in his journey. The believability of his character’s development and eventual acceptance of his father’s passing is played out with stellar maturity by Smit-McPhee.

Virginia Madsen does a commendable job portraying Abigail, a mother trying to hold her life together in the face of painful grief. Her struggle to get through to her son while dealing with her own grief resonates powerfully and makes her role more than just a sidelined figure.

All the Wilderness elegantly captures the mood of teenage disillusionment, as mastered by Michael Johnson in his directorial debut. He navigates the film with subtlety, sometimes blurring the line between imagination and reality to highlight the turmoil experienced by James. The cinematography is equally impressive, making use of vivid colors and attention to details to frame James’ perspective of the world around him.

The film thrives in its attention to detail and the reiteration of certain symbols - a moose appearing frequently, the emphasis on sounds, these add a layer of depth and keep the narrative compelling. The music score charms with its ethereal tunes, ably supporting the surreal undertone of the tale.

In essence, All the Wilderness is a poignant, somber exploration of adolescence, grief, and acceptance, conveyed through beautiful visual storytelling. It's a compelling watch, filled with riveting performances and a narrative that stays with you long after the end credits roll. This film might prompt viewers to reflect on their personal battles and discover their own wilderness.