I'd Rather Be a Forest: Reese Witherspoon's Revealing, Grueling Hike in 'Wild'

I really enjoy films about people on redemptive, spiritual journeys like 127 Hours or Wild Strawberries. There is something really terrifying but fascinating about people confronting their own inner demons, past mistakes, failures and reconciling those with what's good with their lives. I think they are great showcases for actors. Jean-Marc Vallee, director of the Oscar winning Dallas Buyers Club and the underrated The Young Victoria, brings his own take on the "redemption drama" with the funny and affecting Wild.

Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, finally given a leading role after a number of years, stars and produces the film, along with Laura Dern (Jurassic Park), Thomas Sadoski (TV's The Newsroom), Kevin Rankin (TV's Breaking Bad) and Gaby Hoffman (Crystal Fairy and the Magic Cactus). The film is adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's autobiography. The sharp, textured script was written by screenwriter/author Nick Hornby.

Cheryl (Witherspoon) undertakes a difficult, wearying 1,100 mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Her goal is to heal herself after hitting rock bottom in her personal life. Her mother (Dern) dies, she becomes a chronic heroin user and she cheats on her husband (Sadoski). With the worried encouragement of her friend Aimee (Hoffman), Cheryl begins the dangerous, arduous hike, hoping to reconnect with nature, with her mother and with herself. Armed with an oversized pack, some poetic phrases and some undersized boots, Cheryl meets fellow hikers, most of whom are helpful and kind.

One of the things that works really well for Wild is its humor. With a charming, perky actress like Witherspoon as its lead, the film benefits from finding some laughter in Cheryl's journey. One of the best gags is when Cheryl is about to leave for the hike and struggles to lift her giant pack. It's a great scene because it's funny (has Witherspoon done physical comedy before?) and because it's a terrific image for the hopeless stupidity of the hike.

The film has an emotional throughline that is really effective: the love between Cheryl and her mother Bobbi. The film really captures this mother-daughter love story quite well. We may only see Bobbi through Cheryl's memory but their relationship is so honestly written (and masterfully played) that Bobbi becomes a real woman. I love that Cheryl's disappointment in herself doesn't come from self slut shaming but from a desire to reconnect to the ideals held by her mother. It's potent, emotionally charged material.

Vallee's direction of this film is even better than that of Dallas Buyers Club. His use of editing in Wild is exceptional; it's like stream of consciousness editing where the music that Cheryl hears or things she sees trigger various memories and flashes of her past. The editing was done by John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa (nominated for DBC last year). Yves Belanger photographs the geography of the PCT beautifully; his use of natural light gives the film an authenticity and realness. The film as a whole feels free of gimmicks and manipulation. Wild has an almost spiritual naturalness; Vallee and his crew should be praised for achieving that.

Reese Witherspoon's performance is really good. She throws herself into the physicality of the role and her passion for the project comes through very well. It's nice to see her play for both drama and comedy. Much like Sandra Bullock in Gravity last year, it's great to see an actress of Witherspoon's calibre take on a role that is somewhat out of her comfort zone. I don't think of Witherspoon as a chameleon actress like Jessica Chastain or Meryl Streep; some of Cheryl's "rock bottom" scenes feel "actor-y." But a decade ago, I couldn't imagine her in this kind of role so I can appreciate her acting here.

Laura Dern, an actress who I admire a lot, does marvelous work here. What could have been a typical "granola girl" performance feels very three-dimensional and authentic. Dern find such subtlety and nuance in her role. There's one particular scene where even I, someone who knows how great Dern is, was surprised by how much complexity she brings to the role. I hope Dern gets an Oscar nomination for playing Bobbi; everyone needs to be reminded of her greatness and often.

The rest of the cast is filled out by a number of solid character actors who do good work. The way the film is structured however, makes each of these characters just interactions that Cheryl has. Nobody really stands out because they're just not meant to. Another aspect I like is the music of the film. The film has some really soft spiritual numbers including Simon & Garfunkel's 1970 song "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)," where I got the title of this review.

Wild unexpectedly became one of my top movies of 2014. I knew I'd probably like it but I didn't know how much I would just adore and appreciate it. Brimming with natural beauty and genuine sentiment, Wild is a great showcase for Reese Witherspoon and a striking reminder that Jean-Marc Vallee is an auteur in the making.

Like what you read? Please like my blog at Facebook.com/MathurMarquee. Also, follow me on Twitter @HippogriffRider. Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments below!