Wildflower (2022) Comedy Movie Review
The movie "Wildflower" features a fantastic cast, but even their talent can't fully overcome the film's shallow and sentimental storyline. Kiernan Shipka impressively handles the film's uneven shifts in tone, portraying Bea, a high school senior with intellectually disabled parents, Derek (Dash Mihok), and Sharon (played by autistic actress Samantha Hyde).
Bea, affectionately named after her mom's favorite character, starts the movie narrating from a hospital bed in a coma with a witty and sardonic tone. Despite her amusing commentary and reliable comic timing, the film relies too much on Bea spelling out everything in her narration, explaining even the obvious emotions and instincts that viewers can easily infer from the on-screen events.
%20Comedy%20Movie.jpg "Wildflower (2022) Comedy Movie")
The story takes us through Bea's past, revealing how her parents met, fell in love, got married, and had her, despite the disapproval of their own parents. Unfortunately, the film simplifies the characters, especially Sharon, depicting her mostly in childlike terms and missing the opportunity to portray her as a fully-formed character. Derek, on the other hand, is portrayed as a likable goofball without much depth, and Jacki Weaver's character, Derek's mom, comes across as too self-centered to care about anyone else.
In essence, "Wildflower" is based on a true story but provides a somewhat simplistic view of its characters, missing the chance to explore their complexities. Despite the strong performances, the film falls short of delivering a nuanced and engaging narrative.
In the flashbacks of Bea's childhood in the movie "Wildflower," Ryan Kiera Armstrong impressively portrays her younger self, revealing a strong-willed and independent character even at the age of 10. These scenes show Bea taking care of herself and her parents in their messy Las Vegas home. One poignant moment involves her bribing her mom with Oreos to get her ready for work, reflecting a specific and sad aspect that likely draws from real-life experiences.
The story briefly explores Bea's stay with her well-off aunt and uncle, played by Alexandra Daddario and Reid Scott. However, their overly cautious and overscheduled twin sons make it clear that a comfortable life doesn't necessarily mean a preferable one. Despite the material's limitations, Armstrong consistently delivers authentic and natural performances, showcasing her talent.
As the narrative progresses, Kiernan Shipka takes on the role of teenage Bea, portraying a self-possessed misfit who doesn't care about the opinions of the popular girls. Charlie Plummer adds subtlety as Ethan, the new boy in school who becomes Bea's first love. Their romance, influenced by shared experiences of growing up too fast due to trauma, becomes a highlight of the film, providing genuine stakes as Bea grapples with the idea of leaving for college.
However, "Wildflower" struggles with its ambitious attempt to cover a wide range of time and emotions, resulting in a rushed feel. Despite aiming for tear-jerker moments, the film falls short of delivering the emotional impact it seeks.