Wildwood

Wildwood is a fantasy-adventure film released on February 20, 2025. Directed by Ankit Mehra, the movie takes audiences on an immersive journey through a magical forest full of mysterious creatures and hidden secrets. Combining elements of adventure, drama, and fantasy, the film is a visually stunning tale of a young girl named Lara who embarks on a quest to save her world from a dark curse. The plot is centered around Lara’s journey through Wildwood, a mystical forest filled with secrets, magic, and danger. With its beautiful cinematography, memorable characters, and gripping storyline, Wildwood offers a cinematic experience that is sure to captivate audiences. In this review, we will explore the movie’s plot, its strengths, and its weaknesses, and ultimately help you decide if it’s worth watching.

2. Plot Summary

Wildwood follows the story of Lara (played by Meera Sharma), a young girl living in a small village near a magical forest called Wildwood. For generations, the forest has been a source of mystery and wonder, but when a dark curse begins to spread across the land, Lara is the only one who can save her village and the forest from complete destruction. Guided by a mysterious old storyteller and aided by a group of magical creatures, Lara ventures deep into the heart of Wildwood to find the source of the curse. Along the way, she faces dangerous creatures, learns powerful secrets, and discovers her own hidden strengths. The film weaves themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, as Lara learns what it truly means to be a hero. However, her journey is fraught with obstacles, and not everything is as it seems in the magical world of Wildwood.

3. What’s Good?

Cinematography and Visuals

One of the standout features of Wildwood is its breathtaking cinematography. The film brings the enchanted forest to life in vivid detail, capturing its magical essence through lush forests, sparkling streams, and dark, mysterious caves. The film’s visual effects are stunning, with a blend of practical effects and CGI that make the fantastical creatures and environments feel real. Every scene is filled with color and texture, creating an immersive world that draws viewers in from the very beginning. The lighting and camera work are used effectively to enhance the mood, shifting from light and whimsical in the early parts of the film to dark and foreboding as Lara ventures deeper into Wildwood. The beauty of the forest, combined with the danger it holds, is perfectly captured, making the setting one of the film’s most captivating elements.

Acting and Character Development

The performances in Wildwood are strong, particularly from Meera Sharma as Lara. She brings a sense of vulnerability, strength, and determination to her character, making Lara a relatable and engaging protagonist. As the story progresses, Lara grows from a timid girl into a fierce hero who learns to trust herself and those around her. The supporting cast, including Rajeev Verma as the wise storyteller Vikram and Tanishka Patel as the mysterious creature Elara, also deliver solid performances. Each character has a unique personality, and their interactions with Lara help drive the emotional depth of the story. Their chemistry adds richness to the film, making the viewer care about their journey and struggles.

Music and Soundtrack

The music in Wildwood, composed by Anish Verma, perfectly complements the film’s tone. The score is evocative and haunting, with melodies that mirror the enchanted yet dangerous atmosphere of the forest. The music heightens the emotional stakes, adding intensity during the action scenes and softening the heartwarming moments. The soundtrack also features some beautifully composed songs that add depth to Lara’s journey of self-discovery. Whether it’s the thrilling chase scenes or the tender moments between characters, the music does an excellent job of amplifying the emotions on screen, making it a key element of the film’s success.

Direction

Director Ankit Mehra has done a remarkable job in crafting Wildwood. He strikes a delicate balance between action, adventure, and emotional storytelling. The pacing of the movie is well-managed, ensuring that there is always something to keep the audience engaged, whether it’s a tense confrontation with a dark creature or a quiet moment of introspection. Mehra’s direction also allows for the exploration of deep themes such as the power of friendship, courage, and the consequences of one’s actions, making the film not only entertaining but also meaningful. The world-building is solid, and the plot unfolds in a way that keeps the audience intrigued without feeling overly complex or convoluted.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Stunning Visuals: The enchanting world of Wildwood is brought to life with breathtaking visuals and exceptional special effects.
• Strong Lead Performance: Meera Sharma gives a heartfelt performance as Lara, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
• Emotional Depth: The film is not just about adventure; it explores meaningful themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery.
• Engaging Music: The score adds a layer of emotional intensity to the film, perfectly matching its tone and atmosphere.

Weaknesses

• Predictable Plot: While the movie offers an enjoyable experience, some of the plot elements feel familiar and predictable. The journey of a hero going on a quest to save the world from a curse has been done many times before, and there are few surprising twists.
• Pacing in Certain Moments: The pacing of the film slows down in some areas, particularly during the middle portion. A few scenes feel drawn out and could have been more concise.
• Underdeveloped Villain: The antagonist in the film, while menacing, lacks depth. The villain’s motivations and backstory are not fully explored, making them less impactful.

5. Target Audience

Wildwood is a family-friendly fantasy adventure film that will appeal to both children and adults. Fans of magical forests, heroic quests, and fantastical creatures will find themselves immersed in the world of Wildwood. The film’s themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery make it a great choice for younger viewers, while the beautiful visuals and engaging music ensure that it will also resonate with adults. If you enjoy movies like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Secret Garden, Wildwood is definitely a film you’ll enjoy. It’s perfect for a family movie night or a weekend adventure for fans of fantasy films.

6. Box Office Details

Budget:

The production budget of Wildwood is estimated to be ₹120 crore ($16 million), reflecting the film’s high-quality special effects and impressive set designs.

Worldwide Box Office Collection:

In its opening week, Wildwood has earned ₹250 crore ($33 million) worldwide, a strong showing for a fantasy-adventure film. The movie’s success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, beautiful visuals, and broad appeal.

Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas) for the First 5 Days:

Day	India Earnings (INR)	Overseas Earnings (INR)	Total Earnings (INR)
Day 1	₹22 crore	₹8 crore	₹30 crore
Day 2	₹28 crore	₹10 crore	₹38 crore
Day 3	₹32 crore	₹12 crore	₹44 crore
Day 4	₹25 crore	₹9 crore	₹34 crore
Day 5	₹18 crore	₹6 crore	₹24 crore

The box office performance of Wildwood is impressive, with steady earnings across both domestic and international markets. The film has resonated particularly well with families, and its strong word-of-mouth and visual appeal are expected to drive continued success.

7. Recommendation

Wildwood is a visually stunning, emotionally engaging adventure that will appeal to viewers of all ages. While its plot is somewhat predictable, the strong performances, beautiful animation, and heartfelt storytelling make it a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a family-friendly fantasy film that offers both adventure and emotional depth, Wildwood is definitely worth watching.

Genres:

Animation, Family, Fantasy, Horror, Adventure

Rating:

0/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Peyton Elizabeth Lee	Prue McKeel (voice)
Jacob Tremblay	Curtis Mehlberg (voice)
Carey Mulligan	Alexandra (voice)
Mahershala Ali	Brenden (voice)
Awkwafina	(voice)
Angela Bassett	(voice)
Jake Johnson	(voice)
Charlie Day	(voice)
Amandla Stenberg	(voice)
Jemaine Clement	(voice)
Maya Erskine	(voice)
Tantoo Cardinal	(voice)
Tom Waits	(voice)
Richard E. Grant	(voice)

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