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The Wilderness

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Tomatometer 6 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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Stephen C Success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/17/25 Full Review 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