Critics Rave Over "The Wilde Girls" - A Quirky Period Comedy With Heart, Hilarity, and a Touch of Mud

"The Wilde Girls" - What the critics are saying.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSKd0dUOeWk

The Wilde Girls Official Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSKd0dUOeWk

Hollywood, Ca. - Hollywood may be the land of million-dollar budgets and CGI spectacle, but every so often a low-budget indie sneaks out of the forest-literally-and steals the spotlight. Enter The Wilde Girls , the latest from maverick indie filmmaker Timothy Hines, which has critics smiling, chuckling, and maybe even getting a little misty-eyed.

A heartwarming, screwball survival comedy set in the 1930s, The Wilde Girls follows two spoiled sisters from high society who, after losing their fortune in the Great Depression, are unceremoniously tossed into the wilds of Oregon. Think It Happened One Night meets The Simple Life meets a bear. With a twist of mud. Lots of mud.

THE CAST THAT KEEPS IT WILD

At the heart of the film is Cali Scolari in her feature debut, and yes, that Scolari surname isn't a coincidence. She's the daughter of Emmy-winning actor Peter Scolari ( Girls , Bosom Buddies ) and Broadway star Cathy Trien (Gossip Girl, Gotham, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids). Talk about legacy genes.

"Cali Scolari, daughter of Emmy Award-winner Peter Scolari & Broadway star Cathy Trien, plays Mattie in her feature film debut and manages to make a lasting impression," praises IndieWrap Magazine .

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Cali Scolari in The Wilde Girls, PENDRAGON PICTURES

Scolari stars alongside the magnetic Lydia Pearl Pentz , who shines as her sister Tinsley. "Pentz, in particular, steals scenes with a mix of deadpan delivery and endearing physical comedy... she commands attention every time she's on screen," says Cinedump's Jessie Hobson.

Together, they're "a dynamite duo, with impeccable comedic timing amidst their shenanigans," ( IndieWrap ) and serve up "a delightful obliviousness that's hard not to enjoy." ( Cinedump )

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Lydia Pearl Pentz in The Wilde Girls, PENDRAGON PICTURES

The film's not-so-gentle giant comes in the form of Teddy Smith , a real-life stand-up comedy sensation playing Silas, the rugged mountain man who becomes the sisters' unlikely guide and reluctant babysitter. "Teddy Smith adds strong support as Silas, grounding the chaos with a world-weary warmth" ( Cinedump ), and "brings gruff charm" ( Influx Magazine ). Even Screencritix acknowledges, "Teddy Smith gives Silas a grounded, heartfelt presence that adds weight to the comedy."

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Teddy Smith in The WIlde Girls, PENDRAGON PICTURES

DIRECTOR TIMOTHY HINES: MASTER OF THE INDIE MIRACLE

If you're wondering how on earth a sepia-toned, 1930s period road movie with montages, musical numbers, and location shoots in the wild was pulled off with a shoestring budget, the answer is Timothy Hines.

"As an indie filmmaker, I'm in awe of how Hines was able to create a period piece on a low indie budget." ( Film Threat )

He's no stranger to ambitious storytelling. Hines, known for Sci-Fi fantasy tales ( War of the Worlds: The True Story ) and historical epics ( 10 Days in a Madhouse ), brings his usual flair to this stripped-down, laughter-packed survival romp. But here, he trades alien invasions for slapstick and sisterhood-and it works.

"Timothy Hines approaches the story in a way that does not detract from the innocence of it all" ( IndieWrap ), and "makes a great film, one that works on multiple levels."

A ROAD-TRIP TO NOWHERE-AND EVERYWHERE

The plot? Simple, sweet, and madcap. Two heiresses are exiled to the wilderness by their disillusioned aunts in a last-ditch effort to build their character. What follows is a screwball comedy of errors involving bears, squirrel soup, bug bites, and a growing bond between two sisters who previously couldn't share a hairbrush.

"The setup is strong: two privileged girls with no survival skills, thrown into the harsh wilderness and expected to fend for themselves." ( Screencritix )

And yes, there's even an assassin named Button with an inexplicable British accent. Because why not?

"The assassin character named Button, played with awkward British flair by Matt Silver, is entertaining as well," notes Influx Magazine , proving that no film is complete without a sharply dressed Brit hunting heiresses in the woods.

CINEMATOGRAPHY: A LOVE LETTER TO THE PAST

One of the most surprising stars of The Wilde Girls is the cinematography.

"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," ( IndieWrap ). Jessie Hobson adds, "On-location shots beautifully showcase the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest... giving the wilderness a personality of its own."

Even Screencritix had to admit, "One of the film's clear strengths is its cinematography. The wild environment often feels like its own character."

Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/05/60f5f2718c8d7f42aa9567637687fa1c.jpg

Lydia Pearl Pentz and Cali Scolari in The Wilde Girls, PENDRAGON PICTURES

Vintage filters, old-timey aesthetics, and recreated archival footage help The Wilde Girls lean fully into its period stylization. "There's something admirable about the way it leans into its stylization-especially with the use of old-timey filters... the effect is both playful and oddly immersive." ( Cinedump )

"The mise-en-scene is pretty impressive, with the clothing, vehicles and buildings being convincing that they belong in that era," adds UK Film Review .

Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/05/d82db23c4cfb5bd69feae005ee772858.jpg

The Wilde Girls, PENDRAGON PICTURES

MUSIC: SWINGING THROUGH THE FOREST

Let's not forget the tunes. Hines and producer Susan Goforth (also a contributor to the score) infuse the film with a whimsical, Americana-flavored soundtrack.

"The music works really well. The score elevates the entire film, conveying feelings and emotions that cannot be expressed through the visual medium alone," writes IndieWrap . Cinedump adds that the soundtrack "gives the movie a road trip-like rhythm... tying together the sisters' physical journey with their emotional one."

"Commendations also go to the creativity involving the montages that contain atmosphere that bring the viewer to the time of the Great Depression." ( UK Film Review )

A CRITICALLY-APPROVED MUDDY MASTERPIECE

So what are critics saying across the board?

"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." ( IndieWrap )

"It has heart, humor, and two standout lead performances that carry it across the finish line." ( Cinedump )

"A hidden gem that's well worth the trek." ( Cinedump )

"The Wilde Girls is a plucky indie comedy with plenty of heart." ( Influx Magazine )

"If you have an afternoon to spare, this is a delightful and quirky way to spend it." ( Cinedump )

"The Wilde Girls remains entertaining thanks to its spirited performances, its clever script moments, and its surprisingly emotional core." ( Screencritix )

"All in all, Timothy Hines makes the whole adventure believable and the cast performances manage to sell it perfectly." ( IndieWrap )

Even Film Threat , known for its sharp tongue, called the leads "Laurel and Hardy-esque, wonderfully played by Lydia Pearl Pentz and Cali Scolari," adding, "The Wilde Girls works because of the relationship between Tinsley and Mattie and the clever dialogue, sight gags, and silly situations the ladies are in."

SO SHOULD YOU WATCH IT?

If you're still wondering whether The Wilde Girls is worth your time, the answer is simple: "Worth the watch," says Influx Magazine .

With seven-and-a-half stars from Influx , and three-and-a-half stars out of five (yes, really) from Screencritix , this indie comedy is winning over hearts and minds one bean-stained sock at a time.

So grab some popcorn (maybe a bug net), and prepare to fall in love with two hopelessly clueless sisters who prove you don't need to know how to survive in the wilderness to discover who you really are.

Just don't forget your fancy party shoes. Tinsley didn't.

Media Contact
Company Name: Pendragon Pictures
Contact Person: Susan Goforth
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