Reese Witherspoon goes 'all in' for Wild
The American actress 'is figuratively and literately naked' in new role, says CBC's film critic
Reese Witherspoon, the actress who's made a career out of playing America's sweetheart types, drops the pink-bowed chihuahuas and hits the road in Jean-Marc Vallée's downward spiral drama, Wild.
The movie, based on Cheryl Strayed's bestselling memoir, follows her quest for recovery from addiction and grief by embarking on a 1,600-kilometre journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.
- PHOTOS | Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern debut their film Wild at TIFF
- VIDEO | 'I was crying like a baby' says Wild director Jean-Marc Vallée
Witherspoon goes "all in" playing a recovering heroin addict, says CBC's film critic Eli Glasner. "She is figuratively and literately naked: gaunt, tired and struggling under her massive pack and the perceptions of others."
Laura Dern warmly plays Strayed's late mother who appears in flashbacks, inspiring her daughter to overcome her hardships.
Oscar buzz is building for Dern and Witherspoon and for Vallée's directing. The Montreal director's last big Hollywood picture, Dallas Buyers Club, won three golden statuettes at the 2014 Oscars.
Wild opens in select Canadian theatres this weekend.
Watch Eli Glasner's full review in the video above.