All the Wilderness 2015

The film opens with James, a young man who finds himself meandering through woods that, while not far from civilization, set the stage for his introspective journey. Early on, it becomes clear that these woods are more than just a backdrop; they symbolize the wilderness of his emotions, as described by his father. The majority of the story unfolds in an unnamed city, where James, carrying the weight of recent loss, struggles to connect with those around him. He curates his world with somber music and literature, a reflection of his grief after losing his father, which prompts his mother to seek help for him through therapy.

In a rather transformative moment, Danny DeVito, portraying the therapist, introduces a different kind of exploration—though his appearance might be surprisingly different now, adorned with gray hair and a beard. During one of his therapy sessions, James finds himself distracted by Val, a captivating girl with an undeniable spirit. However, the therapy proves unproductive for him, leading him to stage an escape under the pretense of needing the restroom, which ultimately paves the way for him to encounter Harmon, a street musician who becomes an unexpected companion.

As the plot thickens, James ventures into the city nightlife, ignoring his mother’s worries while evading a menacing presence. This leads to his chance meeting with Harmon once again on a train, solidifying their budding friendship. Alongside Harmon is Crystal, a vibrant friend whose fluid sexuality adds another layer to their dynamic. Their time together is punctuated by rebellious escapades, including moments of levity and introspection often enhanced by the music that they indulge in—a testament to their youth and the exploration of consciousness.

Throughout his adventures, James can’t help but cross paths with the food truck where Val works, inviting a new friendship that emphasizes their separate journeys, including blissful moments spent in a wilderness area that contrasts with the chaos of city life. Despite gaining acceptance into a prestigious school, it becomes evident that James might squander this golden opportunity. However, amidst the flawed influences surrounding him, he also discovers a sense of joy and companionship, particularly due to Val’s more principled demeanor, which challenges his own moral compass and pushes him toward self-discovery.