Review: Wildling

Wildling is a coming of age story mixed with a dark and disturbing folktale. It’s a new horror film from German writer and director Fritz Böhm, and it definitely seems primed to be one of the better genre films of the year. This is one to watch not only for the great cast, but also the story and the very satisfying final payoff.

I’m a sucker for anything Brad Dourif shows up in. When I saw that he was billed alongside Liv Campbell and English actress Bel Powley for this, I was immediately sold. Wildling surprised my expectations quite a bit and by the time it was over I was recommending it as one of the best new release horror films out so far this year.

Brad Dourif knows you know what time it is.

The film opens with Dourif playing the father of a young girl he is raising. He tells her stories of a dark creature in the woods called the Wildling, and the tale follows her as she grows into adulthood. Without spoiling any critical plot points, the girl Anna winds up staying with Liv Tyler’s character Sheriff Ellen Cooper until the tale of the Wildling catches up with her.

Fritz Böhm does an excellent job directing his cast through this story that can easily be compared to tales from old America folklore. The film looks great, and aside from a couple small moments of off-putting CGI, it’s visually solid for an independent film. The plot and pacing benefit the movie as well as the cast who all put in great work. This is one that has a few surprises that I really enjoyed and I wholly recommend checking it out. 

Wildling is out now in select theaters and available on VOD.