IndieWrap Raves: "Poignant, Hilarious, and Beautifully Shot...A Great Film" - The Wilde Girls Wows Critics in Pre-Release Screenings

Timothy Hines' female-led forest adventure gets glowing early reviews as a smart, stylish journey from spoiled to empowered, all wrapped in 1930s glam. Timothy Hines' 1930s-set Indie Film Gets High Praise Ahead of Theatrical Release.
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Above: Cali Scolari and Lydia Pearl Pentz in The Wilde Girls

Los Angeles, CA - "The Wilde Girls is a damn good time. From its likable protagonists to the twists and turns in the adventure in the dense forests of Oregon, the film takes us on a memorable journey. Timothy Hines manages to make a great film, one that works on multiple levels." - Indiewrap

With its theatrical release just around the corner, The Wilde Girls is already generating major buzz from early critics - and IndieWrap magazine is leading the charge with a glowing review that calls the indie period comedy "funny, adventurous and surprisingly poignant, all rolled into one."

Directed by Timothy Hines (10 Days in a Madhouse, Tomorrow's Today), The Wilde Girls is capturing hearts and turning heads with its unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, sharp wit, and bold visual style. Set in Depression-era Oregon, the film follows two spoiled sisters - played by breakout star Cali Scolari and indie darling Lydia Pearl Pentz, as they tumble from high society into the unforgiving wilderness after their family fortune disappears overnight.

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Above: Scene from The Wilde Girls, courtesy Pendragon Pictures

The critic at IndieWrap was particularly taken with the film's delicate balance of tone, "Timothy Hines approaches the story in a way that does not detract from the innocence of it all," the outlet writes, noting that despite the era and hardships depicted, "there is a surprising amount of wit and sarcasm... but it does not detract from the overall tone of the story at all."

The performances have also drawn praise, with Scolari - daughter of Emmy-winner Peter Scolari and Broadway's Cathy Trien - making a striking debut. "She manages to make a lasting impression," IndieWrap reports on her chemistry with co-star Pentz "the two are a dynamite, with impeccable comedic timing amidst their shenanigans." Their comedic timing and emotional arc bring levity and vulnerability to what could easily have been played for simple laughs. As the mysterious mountain man, stand-up comedian Teddy Smith adds another layer of rough-edged charm that rounds out the ensemble. Indewrap sums up the performances by saying, "The cast does a terrific job...and they manage to elevate the script by infusing their characters with as much earnestness as possible."

"From costumes to set design, the production looks highly polished in all its aspects," praises IndieWrap for the film's production, going on to say, "Timothy Hines makes the whole adventure believable and the cast performances manage to sell it perfectly." And finally, "Visually speaking, the film bursts out of its own shell. The cinematography is crisp and the greenish grainy filter over everything gives the film a distinctly unique look. The cinematographer has done a fantastic job ensuring that we, the audience, are swiftly transported to the 1930s... The sheer variety of shots and the vibrant color depict both the Disney like nature of the story as well as the fantastical experience that the two girls have deep in the untamed forests of pre World War America.

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Above: Cali Scolari and Lydia Pearl Pentz in The Wilde Girls

For younger audiences, especially women under 35, The Wilde Girls hits a sweet spot, serving up lush period aesthetics, relatable themes of identity and reinvention, and a sisterhood dynamic that's as hilarious as it is heartfelt. The film doesn't shy away from showing its leads at their worst (and weirdest), yet roots for their growth at every misstep. In a world where perfection is often filtered, this flawed and funny adventure feels like a breath of fresh air.

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Above: Teddy Smith and Lydia Pear Pentz in the Wilde Girls

Beyond the performances, the production design is earning applause for its ingenuity. "The production looks highly polished in all its aspects," IndieWrap writes. "It is fascinating to see how the production team managed to make the film look so incredibly good." From "crisp" cinematography to the "greenish grainy filter" that transports viewers directly to the 1930s, the visuals create a look that's both grounded and whimsical. "The sheer variety of shots and the vibrant color depict both the Disney-like nature of the story as well as the fantastical experience that the two girls have deep in the untamed forests of pre-World War America."

The sound design and music, often an afterthought in small-budget films, are given their due credit as well. "The music works really well," IndieWrap notes. "The score elevates the entire film, conveying feelings and emotions that cannot be expressed through the visual medium alone."

For fans of heartfelt indie adventures with a dash of sarcasm and survival, The Wilde Girls promises to be the perfect cinematic escape. As IndieWrap puts it: "From its likable protagonists to the twists and turns in the adventure... the film takes us on a memorable journey."

Link to the entire review on Indiewrap: Indiewrapmag.com/reviews/review-the-wilde-girls-directed-by-timothy-hines/

The Wilde Girls opens May 30th in Los Angeles at Laemmle NoHo 7, and June 6th at Cinema Village in Manhattan. Don't miss the film that critics are already calling one of the most delightful surprises of the year.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/z508pP84z38

The Wilde Girls Trailer Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/z508pP84z38

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