Why ‘Wildflower’ the Movie Surprised Me, in a Good Way

When I was offered the chance to review and give away a copy of Wildflower the movie, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

I loved the film’s title and knew it would have a Christian message, but I figured this made-for-TV-movie would be a watered down, romanticized story of sin and forgiveness. I was wrong.

Why Wildflower the movie surprised me, in a good way

Wildflower is a suspenseful and intriguing psychological thriller, with an underlying message of hope and redemption. Its dark tone falls somewhere between the Halle Berry movie Gothika (2003) and The Nancy Drew Files novels I read as a teenager.

Chloe, a college art student with a troubled past, searches for truth, freedom and identity in the small town that has written her off as crazy. She finally finds someone she can trust in Josh, the grieving and disconnected younger brother of the local pastor.

“The walking wounded can sense it on each other.”

Josh, who left the church after his girlfriend’s death, is refinishing its pews for his brother and leaving his Bible open to Lamentations at home. He recognizes Chloe’s pain and struggle and is eventually able to break through her layer of fear because he values the real story behind her mental illness.

Together, they set out to find the truth about her repressed memories.

“Sometimes, when you decide not to give up on something, it drives you to pursue it obsessively.”

Wildflower is dark and suspenseful yet filled with hope and beauty. It invites trauma survivors to seek safety and validation, without demonizing their doubt and struggles.