In the end, ‘Wild’ proves to be that rare movie about an epic life-changing journey that leaves you impressed by its scale and ambition, but largely unmoved by the person at the heart of it.

The film sticks to the format of the novel in telling Cheryl’s story in flashbacks that go back and forth and sometimes are even just visual images.

While the ending seems a bit hurried and underwhelming, it is Witherspoon who shines throughout. She is extremely convincing in this stripped-down role, whose character she appears to have completely and convincingly absorbed.

Taking is a long solo can help you discover yourself and put things in perspective but it doesn’t necessarily make a good film. Reese Witherspoon has received an Oscar nomination for her performance but in all honesty, there is nothing extraordinary about her acting. Wild may possibly work for some who have been through similar experiences but for me it didn’t.

Considering how much fun Strayed’s memoir is, the monotony of Vallée’s film adaptation should make you want to scream like Witherspoon does when we first meet her. However, even that feels like too much effort. There’s nothing wrong with Wild. It’s just not moving enough and you don’t sense enough of Cheryl’s wildness. Instead, Wild just ends up feeling, well, tame.

Though slow and meandering, “Wild” will appeal to cinephiles.

A compelling human story about grief, pain, hope and happiness. This movie brings all of this together. Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern are amazing in their respective roles. Jean-Marc Vallee has delivered a movie that fills you with a warm glow. This is a story that should be emulated by all.