Wildflower Movie Review --Touching, Dramatic Comedy Hits All The Right Notes--Available Now On Demand & Digital

LOGLINE

Based on a true story, Wildflower is a coming-of-age film that follows Bea Johnson from birth to graduation as she navigates life with two intellectually disabled parents and an extended family who can't quite agree on the best way to help.

In Theaters: March 17, 2023

On Demand and Digital: March 21, 2023

B, short for Bambi as we find out her real name is because that is her mother's favorite animated character is Bambi.

We first meet B as she is being wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher, then we get internal dialogue which is both comical and touching.

This is the lead into the story and now we follow how she was brought into the world and how she sees things.

Kiernan Shipka as B(Bambi)

I know that we just had all of the award shows and it is usually not commonplace to remember movies that come out early in the year, however, I would really like to see Kiernan Shipka nominated for her performance. She is solid throughout, from the flashbacks to even just the voice of her internal self and telling us her story, she is so good here.

Because the story is about her and how she ended up in the hospital, we are given a look at her life and we learn about her family, from her grandparent's perspective first as we are shown how her parents met and finally conceived B. By the way she shortened her name because she didn't want people to think she was a stripper.

If we go back a number of years and remember the book/film "The Perks of Being A Wallflower", this film has that kind of feel to it. I found a lot of realism here and some real situations that are not over-dramatized, even though they certainly could have been.

By the way, her parents are "special" or disabled, and B is often the adult in the situations in the house, even outside of it.

(left to right)
Reid Scott as Ben,  Alexandra Daddario as Joy,  Jean Smart as Peg,  Charlie Plummer as Ethan,  Keirnan Shipka as B(Bambi),  Samantha Hyde as Sharon,  Dash Mihok as Derek, Jacki Weaver as Loretta, & Brad Garrett as Earl

This movie has so much charm and such a big heart, I found myself getting frustrated that we had to wait so long into the film to find out what happened to B. But ultimately it's about the stories that we share, and the memories we have. The family, friends, and loved ones in our lives give us each our own stories.

Often times there are "true stories" that are not depicted well on screen, but it often felt like we are a fly on the wall in some of the scenes. I felt like these are real people in real situations, there were very few scenes that did not feel authentic or a situation that people are not faced with on a daily basis.

Sharon(Samantha Hyde) with Derek(Dash Mihok) as B's parents

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT

Wildflower is a multi-generational family comedy that celebrates overcoming life’s obstacles no matter how difficult they might be. What makes this family’s story so beautifully touching to me is the way these seemingly incompatible people surrender to each other, their circumstances, and ultimately to love. 

Wildflower was inspired by my family. A family that has enriched my life with their sense of humor, sensitivity, and big-hearted open arms. Because I knew these textured and diverse people so well, you can probably understand why authenticity was so important to me when it came time to cast. 

Collaborating with RespectAbility and Miracle Project founder Elaine Hall proved invaluable, not only for me but for the entire crew. As you watch this film, my hope is that you’ll be reminded of your own favorite family anecdotes, experiencing the bittersweet nostalgia that comes whenever you reflect on any of life’s great relationships – no matter how hard they might be at times. That beautiful moment when you acknowledge that the time spent together is always fleeting. I wanted to touch on this ever so gently. To remind people: love your families for as long as you possibly can. And to laugh until you cry.

And then laugh some more.

– Matt Smukler