Out of the Wild

Out of the Wild is an engaging, motion picture that transcends the simple genre of drama while touching upon elements of relationships, personal struggle, redemption, and regeneration. The film was released in 2019, directed by Paul Krizan, starring the likes of John Diehl, Jean Louisa Kelly, and Benjamin Ashbrook in pivotal roles. This evocative drama permeates the essence of humanity with its moving narrative and captivating performances.

Set against the intense backdrop of the American West's rural expanse, the film follows the life of Henry McBride, portrayed with a haunting prowess by Benjamin Ashbrook. Acclaimed actor John Diehl delineates the character of Jessie King, a gruff and veteran rancher, and Jean Louisa Kelly, best known for her roles in popular TV shows, plays the role of Jessie's spirited and loyal daughter, Paula.

Henry McBride, a former 'big city' cowboy with a dark past, finds his life spiraling out of control due to his addiction to alcohol as a means to escape his disturbing past. Struggling with the guilt and despair, his path crosses with Jessie King, a rancher, who anchors himself in a life that's rugged and rustic. Bound by the eternal bond of horse and man, they share a deep connection with the land and their love for horses. When Jessie offers the wayward cowboy a job at his ranch in Nevada, Henry takes up the offer with the promise of a fresh start.

Although initially skeptical about his decision, Henry's life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself welcomed into a world of hard work, integrity, and redemption. Along the way, he discovers the complicated family dynamics at play on the ranch. He meets Paula, Jessie’s devoted and resilient daughter, whose character embodies hope, resistance and a sense of responsibility towards her family and the ranch.

Jean Louisa Kelly delivers a captivating performance as Paula, adding depth and dimension to her character. As she finds herself drawn to the new ranch hand, Paula battles her growing feelings for Henry due to his murky past and uncertainties about the future.

The two together navigate through their personal dilemmas and the struggles on the ranch, while Jessie's health progressively declines. The integral relationship between horses and humans, the therapeutic impact it can have and the connectivity to the landscape become evident as Henry works the ranch's livestock.

Out of the Wild offers a striking advancement of the typical narrative arcs and interposes them with the profundity of human struggle and redemption, while not succumbing to clichés or formulaic storytelling. The rugged beauty of the western landscapes serves as the perfect backdrop and almost like a character itself, adding depth to the storyline. This film communicates the healing power of nature and hard work whilst highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships.

Predominantly, Out of the Wild isn’t just another cowboy film. It intertwines the Western genre with intense human drama and the healing power of connection - with nature, animals, and other people. While the story touches upon the darker shades of human life, it balances the narrative with lighter moments that offer nuggets of wisdom and humor, handled tenderly by the fine performances of the cast.

The movie's excellent cinematography brings out a life infused quality to the rugged terrains, allowing the beauty of the outdoors to shine in its authentic representation. The film’s realistic portrayal of life on a ranch will resonate with those who are familiar with, or have an interest in the lifestyle and the unique challenges it presents.

Out of the Wild masterfully crafts a narrative of second chances and self-discovery, making it a worthy choice for those who enjoy a blend of drama, interesting characters and the great outdoors. The film is a statement on how life is an endless odyssey of self-reclamation and a testament to the fact that healing is a journey, not a destination. To cap it off, the movie’s exploration into the complexity of everyday lives and unsaid words is a refreshing change from the stereotypical storylines and is bound to leave viewers with reflective thoughts.