Wildflower

The heart of Wildflower is Shipka as Bea, who is caught between her unique but loving family and the “regular” world that either judges or pities her situation. Her performance works because you buy her as the glue holding her unique family together. Deep down, she takes on a martyr complex in her family, which boils inside her that’s about to explode, which is surprisingly insightful. The actor plays that boiling just right.

The sheer star power of the supporting roles helps ground the rich amount of comedy and teenage angst that could spin this story out of control. Smart never phones in a performance, even when she plays the mother, likewise with the great Garrett and Weaver. Alexandra Daddario also appears as Sharon’s sister, who sometimes needs to step in to rescue Bea.

“…a family comedy that sneaks up on you…”

Wildflower is a family comedy that sneaks up on you with how brilliant and thought-provoking it is. Comedies like this are usually a little predictable. However, where it is predictable, Savage’s screenplay, from a story by her and Smukler, finds an unpredictable element making it all feel fresh to boot. Thankfully, the obligatory CPS worker challenging the fitness of Derek and Sharon as parents scene is missing. That would have just dragged this story into oblivion.

The only element of the story that gives me cognitive dissonance is the whole “coma” gimmick, which drives the narrative. I get why, but the idea that Bea’s coma investigation is the main throughline seems a bit off. Yes, I’m suffering from “If It Were Up to Me” syndrome. But then again, it’s a bold choice and, in the end, doesn’t tank the true heart of the story. Also, I felt like I wanted to see more of Bea, Derek, and Sharon and less of Bea’s My So-Called Life life.

Wildflower gets a resounding recommendation from me. Deep down, it’s a story about family and how the strong bond of the family comes in many different and imperfect forms. The cast gives it their all and finds the heart of this sweet narrative.

Wildflower is currently available on major VOD platforms.