Wildlike

Wildlike, directed by Frank Hall Green and released in 2014, is a compelling and thought-provoking drama set amid the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska. The film stars Ella Purnell, best-known for her roles in cinematic hits such as "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". She is joined by Brian Geraghty, who viewers may recognise from critically-acclaimed films such as "The Hurt Locker", and actress Diane Farr, renowned for the hit television series, "Numb3rs".

In Wildlike, Purnell plays the role of Mackenzie, a vulnerable and troubled teenage girl from Seattle. After facing significant upheaval and turbulence in her life, Mackenzie is sent to stay with her uncle (Brian Geraghty) in Juneau, Alaska. However, her uncle's inappropriate behaviour threatens to compound her hardships and dysfunction, forcing her to make difficult decisions about her future.

In the face of these circumstances, Mackenzie, played superbly by Purnell, decides to take matters into her own hands and embarks on a complex journey towards self-discovery and healing. She courageously makes a bid for escape and ends up being adrift in the vast Alaskan wilderness, where she must find the strength and courage to deal with her past and the challenging terrain ahead.

As she navigates the wilderness, Mackenzie has a serendipitous encounter which forms the second key narrative thread of the film. She crosses paths with Bartlett (Bruce Greenwood), a loner and backpacker who is dealing with his own emotional baggage. Bartlett is initially reluctant to involve himself with the obviously distressed girl, given his tendency for solitude and his struggle with personal pain. However, he eventually offers her shelter and companionship, proving to be pivotal in anchoring the film's emotional backbone.

The filmmakers explore the emerging, unlikely friendship between Mackenzie and Bartlett, adding a significant emotional depth to Wildlike. In fact, the chemistry between these two main characters provides an intriguing narrative contrast, offering moments of respite and hope within an otherwise traumatic storyline. It is through their shared experiences, hardships, and mutual compassion that they form a special bond, helping each other towards resolution and restoration.

The movie is poignant, not just in its exploration of human resilience and survival, but also in its depiction of the harsh yet mesmerizing Alaskan wilderness. The stunning cinematography serves as the third major character in the film, adding significant layers to the narrative. From the coastal town of Juneau to the rugged Denali National Park, the Alaskan landscape provides the perfect backdrop for this powerful drama about resilience, healing, and the human spirit.

The visuals of Wildlike capture the serene yet daunting beauty of these untamed terrains, brilliantly juxtaposing the external struggle of survival in the wilderness with the internal battle both Mackenzie and Bartlett are grappling with. In many ways, the wilderness is both an antagonist and a protagonist within the narrative, framing these complex characters in a way that highlights their fragility and resilience.

Performances in Wildlike are also noteworthy. Ella Purnell, who is central to the film, delivers a powerful performance, portraying a wide range of emotions with significant depth and sensitivity. Brian Geraghty, Diane Farr, and Bruce Greenwood provide solid supporting performances, underscoring the central narrative with credibility and emotional resonance.

Frank Hall Green’s direction and Brian Rigney Hubbard’s cinematography come together to create a movie that is as visually arresting as it is emotionally captivating. The soundtrack, composed by Daniel Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, complements the on-screen narrative, enhancing the film’s overall emotive impact.

In conclusion, Wildlike is a compelling narrative of resilience, healing, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a testament to the indomitable nature of the human spirit and the transformative power of friendship. The backdrop of Alaska's breathtaking wilderness adds a unique and visually stunning dimension to this powerful narrative. With its rich performances, exceptional storytelling, and compelling themes, Wildlike is a movie that stays with viewers long after the closing credits, inviting them to reflect on their own resilience and the ties that bind us all.