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The Wilderness

Play trailer 1:56 Poster for The Wilderness Oct 2025 Adventure Mystery & Thriller Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 10 Reviews Popcornmeter 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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The Wilderness

Critics Reviews

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Hosea Rupprecht Pauline Media Studies Dec 12
The path to healing after a harrowing teen experience came through art in the form of film for writer and director, Spencer King in his film, "The Wilderness." Go to Full Review
Abbie Bernstein Assignment X Dec 8
B-
Each scene on its own is credible, and filmmaker King puts a spotlight on a matter that warrants more public attention. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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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! See more 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. See more David W @DavidLWaltersJr Dec 22 Being in a program back in the 80's (KIDS Of Bergen County, NJ), this is the best; and only real portrayal of the Troubled Teen Industry. I cried throughout the viewing, knowing others are still suffering like this! Every actor was an intricate piece of this story line, and pulled it off to perfection! From the directing to the actors, this realistically portrays the programs of the Trouble Teen Industry. See more Kat K @Kat13 Dec 17 Everything about this movie is on point. The actors are great; the setting/cinematography is beautiful; the story, sadly absolutely accurate, and is a story in need of being widely shared. Hunter nailed it here. See more Rachel P @buffyfan20 Dec 13 While there was little doubt after Wednesday and Your Honor that Hunter Doohan is a talented actor, this project confirms that he can carry an entire film as a leading man. He brings restraint and vulnerability to the role of Ed. His eyes are extremely expressive, conveying complexity and somehow even clear thoughts through them, even without dialogue in many moments. The Utah desert is shot beautifully. The cinematography consistently draws you in. Perhaps most importantly, The Wilderness shines a necessary spotlight on the troubled teen industry and so-called wilderness programs. The film does not sensationalize the subject, but it also does not shy away from the realities. These programs are for-profit enterprises, and the lucrative financial incentives can - and often does - lend itself to abuse, neglect, and systemic harm. It's an uncomfortable truth, and one that deserves far more public attention than it receives. See more 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. See more Read all reviews
The Wilderness

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Movie Info

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
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