Ella Purnell gives a breakout performance as Mackenzie, a troubled teenager sent by her alcoholic mother to spend the summer in Alaska with her uncle (Brian Geraghty) while Mom goes to rehab.  The sullen teen soon warms to her friendly uncle and you’re cautiously happy.  It doesn’t last.  Soon Mackenzie’s on her own desperately trying to get back to Seattle and her mother.  On her journey she meets some odd characters and begins to both grow up and become a child again.  It’s a complex and gradual transition and Purnell shines in the role.  Bruce Greenwood brings his years of acting experience to the best part I’ve seen him in, in years and Ann Dowd steals every scene she’s in.  Geraghty plays the uncle with subtlety and in shades of gray.  Director Frank Hall Green keeps the pace slow and lets the camera linger on the actors’ faces and the gorgeous Alaskan scenery, but he can ratchet up the suspense when needed.

I love WILDLIKE.  It combines an original story with wonderful acting and a beautiful backdrop.  See this if you can.

I saw WILDLIKE as part of the 2015 Provincetown International Film Festival.