The Wilderness

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The Wilderness

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Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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6 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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Cole Groth

FandomWire

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

Rated: 8/10

Oct 22, 2025

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Heidi Krull

MovieJawn

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.

Oct 19, 2025

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

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

Rated: 3/5

Oct 17, 2025

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Tina Kakadelis

Beyond the Cinerama Dome

The Wilderness is an exercise in compassion in the face of harsh conditions, and what happens when kindness is missing.

Oct 17, 2025

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Alise Chaffins

MacGuffin or Meaning (Substack)

What allows this film to feel grounded and authentic is a stellar performance from Doohan. He is restrained when he needs to be, but allows moments of genuine vulnerability that will enable the character to feel three-dimensional.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 15, 2025

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Aaron Peterson

The Hollywood Outsider

Thoughtful, beautifully shot, and anchored by solid performances, The Wilderness has heart and ambition. Yet its slow pacing, lack of focus, and muted sense of danger keep it from fully coming alive.

Rated: 5/10

Oct 13, 2025

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KK

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!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/22/25

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Christine B

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

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Stephen C

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/17/25

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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