The Wilderness (2025) Review: Cast, Plot, Release Date & Where to Watch – Hunter Doohan Leads Spencer King’s Gripping New Drama

Boxofficehype
Sep 4
3 min read

When survival collides with the human spirit, every decision becomes a battle between morality and instinct. Spencer King’s upcoming drama The Wilderness (2025) promises exactly that—a story where characters are stripped of comfort, safety, and certainty, and forced to confront themselves against the raw power of nature.

Starring Hunter Doohan (known for Wednesday and Your Honor), this film has already drawn attention for its intense performances, haunting visuals, and a story that balances survivalist grit with emotional depth. Distributed by Dark Star Pictures, the film is set to release in the U.S. on October 17, 2025.

🎬 The Story

While much of the plot has been kept under wraps, what we do know is tantalizing: The Wilderness is not just about physical survival, but also about the emotional and psychological unraveling that comes when people are forced to endure the unforgiving wild.

Like a modern echo of films such as The Revenant and Into the Wild, Spencer King’s screenplay explores human fragility, resilience, and the secrets that emerge when stripped of society’s safety nets.

One haunting line from the script sets the tone:“In the wilderness, you don’t just fight the cold—you fight yourself.”

⭐ The Cast

The ensemble cast of The Wilderness blends rising stars with seasoned actors:

Hunter Doohan – leading the film with a raw, layered performance.
Lamar Johnson (Brotherhood, The Last of Us).
Aaron Holliday (Sharp Objects).
Matt Gomez-Hidaka (Love, Victor).
Vinessa Shaw (Ray Donovan, Hocus Pocus).
Liana Liberato (To the Bone, Scream: The Series).
Sam Jaeger (Parenthood, Devil in Ohio).
Sean Avery (former NHL player, now actor).
James LeGros (Drugstore Cowboy, Hunters).

With such a lineup, audiences can expect a mix of youthful energy, dramatic depth, and gravitas.

🎥 Behind the Camera

Director & Writer: Spencer King (Black Petunia)
Producers: Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Amy Berg (Deliver Us from Evil), Larissa Beck, Lily Blavin, Hunter Doohan, Spencer King
Cinematography: Sean Mouton – crafting the film’s stark, immersive landscapes.
Editing: Amir Mosallaie.
Music: Isaac Middleton – composing a score that blends tension with melancholy.

With Aaron Paul and Amy Berg attached as producers, there’s a strong pedigree guiding the project—balancing independent grit with cinematic polish.

📅 Release Date & Distribution

U.S. Theatrical Release: October 17, 2025
Distributor: Dark Star Pictures
Language: English
Country: United States

As of now, the film is confirmed for theatrical release, with streaming details expected after its run in theaters.

🌟 Why Watch The Wilderness?

If you’re a fan of:

Survival dramas that test human limits.
Character-driven narratives where secrets, fears, and vulnerabilities surface under pressure.
Hunter Doohan’s rising star power, following his acclaimed performances in Wednesday and Your Honor.

Then The Wilderness is a film you won’t want to miss.

It’s not just about man versus nature—it’s about man versus himself.

🌲 Conclusion

With its gripping premise, powerhouse cast, and a director unafraid to explore the darker corners of the human condition, The Wilderness (2025) looks like one of the most compelling indie dramas of the year. Prepare for a journey into the untamed wild, where survival is not guaranteed, and every step forward comes at a price.

Catch it in theaters on October 17, 2025—and be ready to lose yourself in The Wilderness.