The WIlde Girls Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/CSKd0dUOeWk
The Wilde Girls, the latest indie comedy from filmmaker Timothy Hines, is a screwball survival flick set in the Great Depression—but don’t let the tones of an old faded photograph fool you. This film is equal parts Clueless, Barbie, the Revenant and Little House on the Prairie.
“The Wilde Girls is a damn good time.” — IndieWrap “A humorous, fish-out-of-water adventure packed with clueless antics, screwball charm, and moments of unexpected heart.” — Jessie Hobson, Cinedump
Two Heiresses. One Forest. Zero Clue.
Above: The Wilde Girls, Timothy Hines' new Barbie meets wilderness srvival epic comedy.
The story follows Tinsley and Mattie Wilde, spoiled New York socialites exiled to the forests of the Pacific Northwest after their wealthy family collapses amid scandal. With nowhere to turn and the world against them, the pampered sisters must survive nature, 1930s Oregon—and themselves. Things go from haute couture to hideously muddy real fast, as the sisters are forced to rely on the help of a gruff, no-nonsense mountain man, Silas (played with grizzled charm by stand-up favorite Teddy Smith).
“The setup is strong: two privileged girls with no survival skills, thrown into the harsh wilderness and expected to fend for themselves.” — Screencritix “A light, old-fashioned survival comedy.” — Screencritix
The Stars Align: Scolari & Pentz Deliver Comedy Gold
Stealing the spotlight is Cali Scolari as Mattie Wilde in her feature film debut. Yes—that Scolari. She’s the daughter of Emmy-winning actor Peter Scolari (Girls, Bosom Buddies) and Broadway standout Cathy Trien (The Sopranos, Hairspray). With those genes, it’s no wonder she nails the role.
“Cali Scolari, daughter of Emmy Award-winner Peter Scolari & Broadway star Cathy Trien, manages to make a lasting impression.” — IndieWrap
Her counterpart, Lydia Pearl Pentz, plays Tinsley Wilde with a blissful obliviousness that harks back to the slapstick greats.
Cali Scolari and Lydia Pearl Pentz in The Wilde Girls. PENDRAGON PICTURES
“The sisters remind me of Laurel and Hardy… the comedy and plot surround the dynamics between Tinsley and Mattie, wonderfully played by Lydia Pearl Pentz and Cali Scolari.” — Film Threat “Pentz… steals scenes with a mix of deadpan delivery and endearing physical comedy… she commands attention every time she’s on screen.” — Cinedump
Together, they’re a comedic dream team, flailing their way through pine needles, paranoia, and personal growth.
“The dynamic between Tinsley and Mattie… is the heart of the film.” — Influx Magazine
Teddy Smith Brings the Sass and the Sassafras
Teddy Smith, a rising comedy star in the stand-up scene, brings rugged soul to the role of Silas, the reluctant mountain man. His performance balances the sisters’ zany chaos with gruff sincerity, grounding the story with surprising warmth.
“Teddy Smith brings gruff charm as Silas… a grounded, heartfelt presence.” — Gordon Shelly, Influx Magazine “He grounds the chaos with a world-weary warmth that makes his eventual bond with the girls feel surprisingly genuine.” — Cinedump
Above: Teddy Smith as Silas Colter in The Wilde Girls. PENDRAGON PICTURES
Add in a British assassin named Button (a scene-stealing Matt Silver) and a few delightfully strange side characters, and you’ve got an ensemble cast that’s full of quirks and comedic firepower.
“The assassin character named Button… is entertaining as well.” — Influx Magazine
A Love Letter to Old Hollywood
Timothy Hines, best known for the cult steampunk epic War of the Worlds: The True Story, shifts gears here into vintage comedy mode—and the results are delightful. Against all indie odds, he delivers a polished period piece brimming with heart, humor, and an authentic retro look.
“Writer/director Timothy Hines takes us back in time to the golden era of film, specifically the comedies.” — Film Threat “He combines sepia-tone filters, soft-focus close-ups… and green-screen matte paintings to convincingly evoke 1920s-era buildings and landscapes.” — Film Threat
The visuals punch far above their weight thanks to an inventive use of filters, on-location shots, and a grainy cinematographic style that gives the whole thing a whimsical, almost storybook feel.
“The cinematographer has done a fantastic job ensuring that we, the audience, are swiftly transported to the 1930s.” — IndieWrap “The wild environment often feels like its own character.” — Screencritix
The soundtrack also earns high marks. Composed in part by Susan Goforth (also a producer), it pulses with feel-good energy and nostalgia, elevating the whole viewing experience.
“The score elevates the entire film, conveying feelings and emotions that cannot be expressed through the visual medium alone.” — IndieWrap “The soundtrack gives the movie a road trip-like rhythm that complements its wandering structure.” — Cinedump
A Little Bit Silly, A Little Bit Sweet
Underneath all the pratfalls and porcupine encounters, The Wilde Girls packs a surprising emotional punch. Themes of sisterhood, identity, privilege, and transformation run beneath the slapstick like a sturdy undercurrent.
“Hines infuses the story with a real sense of heart, layering themes of growth, forgiveness, and resilience beneath the surface comedy.” — Screencritix “The film finds emotional footing in its themes of sisterhood, personal growth, and the search for meaning beyond wealth.” — Influx Magazine
Above: Timothy Hines' The Wilde Girls. PENDRAGON PICTURES
Critics agree that while The Wilde Girls wears its humor on its muddy sleeves, it has a soul worth discovering.
“The Wilde Girls remains entertaining thanks to its spirited performances, its clever script moments, and its surprisingly emotional core.” — Screencritix “A movie experience that offers genuine laughs and touching moments.” — Screencritix “It has heart, humor, and two standout lead performances that carry it across the finish line.” — Cinedump
The Verdict?
From fish-out-of-water laughs to surprisingly tender beats, The Wilde Girls is that rare indie gem that dares to be goofy and gorgeous at once. Whether you’re in it for the slapstick, the snarky sister banter, or the Great Depression-era glamor, this one’s got something for everyone.
“A hidden gem that’s well worth the trek.” — Jessie Hobson, Cinedump “If you have an afternoon to spare, this is a delightful and quirky way to spend it.” — Jessie Hobson, Cinedump “The Wilde Girls is a plucky indie comedy with plenty of heart.” — Influx Magazine
Above: The Wilde Girls. PENDRAGON PICTURES
So pack your fur coat, ditch your expectations, and get ready to laugh. The Wilde Girls is out now—and it’s gloriously, hilariously unprepared for the wild.
IN THEATERS:
The Wilde Girls opens at Laemmle NoHo 7 in Los Angeles on May 30 and Cinema Village in New York on June 6.
Bring a friend. Bring your sister. Bring bear spray.
Media Contact
Company Name: Pendragon Pictures
Contact Person: Susan Goforth
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1 310-480-0837
City: Los Angeles
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: www.pendragonpictures.com