Wildflower

Wildflower

April 5, 2016 release date

PG-13
Produced by Faith Street Film Partners II, LLC, which also produced King's Faith.

Awarded Dove Foundation's Faith Friendly Seal of Approval with 5 out of 5 Doves.

Be very aware in watching this film -- things are not as they seem.  People are not who you think they are.  These are concepts Chloe learned early in life.  Never trust anyone other than yourself.  Others will fail you, so it's better not to get close to people.

Chloe is a 20 year old gifted art student in her first year in school, striving very hard to make a life for herself through her art. Deadlines are looming, and as a student on a hard-won scholarship, she feels she must try doubly hard.  There are many people out there who are just as good or better than she is, all waiting for their own scholarships.  So when Chloe's blackouts intensify into destructive behavior, leading to trouble with the law, she denies she has a problem and uses the excuse of pressure due to school.

During one of her blackouts Chloe is nearly run over by Josh, who has issues of his own.  Josh is running from God; having served God but then suffering deep personal loss, he feels betrayed and believes he has a very good excuse to stay away from God and the church.  His older brother tries to intervene, much to the irritation of Josh.  Josh is thrown together with Chloe and wants to help.  He begins to believe her, and each of them in turn is able to work through their problems, both emotionally and spiritually.

Maybe the characters were just a bit over-acted, but the point of the movie was made. And overall, Wildflower was very good.  As I have hinted the movie does hold surprises, so be prepared.  I hope the movie will help open people's eyes to misperceptions we sometimes have of others who we may see as different from ourselves, not dismissing them but giving them the understanding and help they need to cope and heal.

Issues dealt with in Wildflower are mental instability whether perceived or real, how the mind deals with trauma, abuse, loss, grief, mistrust, faith, hope, healing and fulfillment.

The special features section includes short interviews with the cast as well as a link to download a study guide.

Partner resources for Wildflower are the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), Fresh Hope for Mental Health, Mental Health Grace Alliance, Key Ministry, and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).

Icon Media Group requested my honest review of this movie.  I am under no obligation to give a favorable review.