The Wilderness

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The Wilderness

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9 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A group of troubled teenage boys are kidnapped from their homes and taken deep into the unforgiving Utah desert, where they are forced into a brutal and secretive "Wilderness Therapy" program. With no contact with the outside world, their only way home is to earn the approval of the enigmatic program director--whose motives are far from therapeutic. As the line between rehabilitation and manipulation blurs, the boys must decide whether to survive the program or escape it.

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Abbie Bernstein

Assignment X

1d

B-

Each scene on its own is credible, and filmmaker King puts a spotlight on a matter that warrants more public attention.

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Frank Swietek

One Guy's Opinion

Nov 17

B-

There’s obviously an agenda behind 'The Wilderness'.... But especially because of the commitment behind Doohan’s performance, this relatively simple tale of a teen’s painful coming of age proves surprisingly powerful.

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Peter Gray

The AU Review

Oct 29

4/5

In a time where original films and their personal connection to the storyteller feel lost in a haze of franchises and sequels, [Spencer] King bringing out such a work of art incorporating his own trauma makes The Wilderness all the more special.

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Cole Groth

FandomWire

Oct 22

8/10

It’s a harrowing journey that rarely overstays its welcome and is, in many ways, a complete joy while also being quietly devastating.

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Heidi Krull

MovieJawn

Oct 19

The Wilderness is a journey full of juxtapositions. The beautiful desert scenery compared with the understated torture the boys are experiencing makes this film special, yet brutal and tragic to experience.

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Oct 17

3/5

Beautifully shot in spectacular landscapes, this outdoor-experience drama has an easy-going pace that worms its way under the skin.

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KK

Oct 22

Loved the original concept, which definitely gives ponder if such programs exist. It was filmed well, and I felt the actors played their roles to give a realistic feel. I came into the movie expecting a slow pace, but I was captivated throughout. Glad I paid and saw this film unlike last week with a musical (nothing against musicals, btw). Anyway, I would have changed a few things with The Wilderness, including a minor extension in the beginning and end, as well as a couple situations in the middle, but overall it was enjoyable! No hands in the air but 2 giant thumbs!

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Christine B

Oct 18

Gorgeous cinematography, great acting, and a heartbreaking story that needs to be heard by everyone because so many teens are forced to go through similar programs every year.

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Teresa W.

@tmwilson67 Oct 26

Hunter Doohan’s performance is captivating. The story conveys a real sense of desperation as each character is coping in their own way, coming together at the end. Loved it.

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Steve E.

@SEaton215 Oct 24

Showed the horrors of teenage wilderness camps. Something no teenager should be subjected to.

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Oct 17

Success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Synopsis

A group of troubled teenage boys are kidnapped from their homes and taken deep into the unforgiving Utah desert, where they are forced into a brutal and secretive "Wilderness Therapy" program. With no contact with the outside world, their only way home is to earn the approval of the enigmatic program director--whose motives are far from therapeutic. As the line between rehabilitation and manipulation blurs, the boys must decide whether to survive the program or escape it.

Director: Spencer King
Producer: Amy Berg, Hunter Doohan, Aaron Paul, Larissa Beck, Lily Blavin, Spencer King
Screenwriter: Spencer King
Distributor: Dark Star Pictures
Production Co: Disarming Films
Genre: Adventure, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 17, 2025, Wide