The Wild Child
Seen it?1970 | 83 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Count of Monte Cristo or I Swear, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 23 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated G, but peril.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The true story of Victor of Aveyron. In a French forest circa 1798, an abandoned child — feral, filthy and mentally impaired — is found. Dr Jean Marc Gaspard Itard becomes interested in the case and patiently attempts to civilise the boy.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 94 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
4 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 24K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by François Truffaut
- Jean-Pierre CargolVictor, l'Enfant Sauvage
- François TruffautLe Dr Jean Itard
- Françoise SeignerMadame Guerin
- Jean DastéProfessor Philippe Pinel
- Annie MillerMadame Lemeri
- Claude MillerMonsieur Lemeri
- Paul VilléRemy
- Nathan MillerBaby Lemeri
- Mathieu SchiffmanMathieu
- Jean GruaultVisitor at Institute