Wild

Adapted from the best-selling memoir by Cheryl Strayed, the well-directed film "Wild"is boosted by another Oscar worthy performance by Reese Witherspoon.

Strayed's story hit the mainstream after an appearance on Oprah in which she discussed her decision to walk the 1000-mile long Pacific Crest Trail by herself. Having descended into a world of drugs, sex, and adultery after the passing of her mother, Cheryl decided enough was enough and thought a nice walk would clear her head. And that's just what the three month-long journey did. But knowing that Strayed changed her life isn't a spoiler - it's how it happened that makes the journey fascinating.

Jean-Marc Vallee ("Dallas Buyer's Club") doesn't overwhelm his film with unnecessary extended flashbacks. Instead, Vallee uses them to illustrate Strayed's memories and thoughts as she travels up the coast. We are privy to the whispers in her head, the jumbled and sometimes profound thoughts, and even just the songs floating through her mind. What brought her on the difficult journey is shown in elegant pieces that give just enough information that you can fill in the blanks yourself. Sometimes it's just an image or one line of dialogue; other times it's a full scene. But we never feel like we are being catered to. Vallee confidently trusts his audience to use what he gives them to inform Strayed's journey and her eventual healing story arc.

From her first moments putting on a backpack she clearly didn't pack efficiently, to the first five minutes where she considers turning back, Witherspoon drops all pretenses and gives the film her all. Here, she de-glams her adorable self and embodies a girl that has many layers. From the loving and faithful daughter to the strung-out meth head, Witherspoon plays a variety of different sides to a character that is as compelling as she is inspiring. It's not an over-the-top emotional performance, nor is it focused on any huge physical transformation. Those things occur here, but they are tempered by an actress that knows how to be real and not just Oscar-bait.

Similarly, Laura Dern as her mother is highly engaging in a small, but captivating performance as a woman who covers up her struggles with a pure joy that she showers onto her children. But the role is not one-note. There is a lovely scene between her and Witherspoon where she is asked how she can be so happy when she's dealt with so much crap; Dern nails her response and effectively makes the character shine even brighter.

In many ways, the film feels like an indie movie. It's not overly showy or dramatic and the style of flashbacks doesn't cater to the audience. There is no huge dramatic ending with applause and/or tears as she finishes her journey. Like the film itself, it is just simple, quiet, and profound.