In The Wilde Girls, director Timothy Hines invites audiences to trade Manhattan high society for the muddy, bug-bitten forests of the Pacific Northwest—and the result is a mostly charming blend of slapstick survival comedy, 1930s flair, and heartfelt growth. With a runtime of 119 minutes, it does run a little long, but if you have an afternoon to spare, this is a delightful and quirky way to spend it.
Set in 1932 during the heart of the Great Depression, the film follows New York heiresses Tinsley and Mattie Wilde—two impossibly pampered socialites suddenly cut off from their fortune and thrust into the wild with nothing but a bounty on their heads and a grumpy mountain man named Silas (Teddy Smith) as their reluctant guide. What unfolds is a humorous, fish-out-of-water adventure packed with clueless antics, screwball charm, and moments of unexpected heart.
Lydia Pearl Pentz and Cali Scolari (in her feature debut) play the Wilde sisters with a delightful obliviousness that’s hard not to enjoy. Pentz, in particular, steals scenes with a mix of deadpan delivery and endearing physical comedy—her timing and presence make Tinsley the film’s real highlight. Whether she’s trying to outrun a bear or scream-whispering about mud in her shoes, she commands attention every time she’s on screen. Teddy Smith adds strong support as Silas, grounding the chaos with a world-weary warmth that makes his eventual bond with the girls feel surprisingly genuine.
Visually, The Wilde Girls is a bit of a mixed bag. On-location shots beautifully showcase the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, giving the wilderness a personality of its own. Unfortunately, these moments are occasionally undercut by obvious green screen work and repetitive stock footage, which can pull the viewer out of the experience. Still, for a film with clear budget constraints, there’s something admirable about the way it leans into its stylization—especially with the use of old-timey filters and actual archival footage to blend the past with the present. The effect is both playful and oddly immersive.
The special effects are ambitious if uneven, with moments of real tension and others that lean into their low-budget charm. From swarming bees to prowling predators, the film tries to balance realism with comedy—and while not everything lands, the effort is commendable. A standout anecdote from production involving a four-foot snake crawling over actor Teddy Smith’s feet, causing a scream heard through the forest, adds some real-world hilarity that mirrors the film’s energy.
The script is surprisingly sharp, with a solid mix of physical comedy, one-liners, and emotional beats. There’s a bit of a Simple Life meets It Happened One Night vibe here, and Hines manages to tap into that with affection rather than parody. While some scenes feel stretched and the pacing occasionally lags, the film finds its stride when it focuses on character development over gags. By the final act, there’s real growth—not just in the characters, but in the overall story.
The soundtrack deserves a special mention for giving the movie a road trip-like rhythm that complements its wandering structure. The music helps tie together the sisters’ physical journey with their emotional one, adding texture and tone throughout.
Ultimately, The Wilde Girls is an imperfect but lovable tale of survival, sisterhood, and self-discovery. Yes, it’s a little long. Yes, the visuals occasionally falter. But it has heart, humor, and two standout lead performances that carry it across the finish line. If you’re in the mood for something light, offbeat, and sincere, this is a hidden gem that’s well worth the trek.
Jessie Hobson