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Poster for Return to the Wild: The Chris McCandless Story

Return to the Wild: The Chris McCandless Story

Seen it?

2014 | 60 min | Documentary, TV Movie

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Tailor-made for fans of survival stories and anyone with a complicated family (so, everyone). The tension comes from simply getting through the next day. Family ties get tested in ways that ring true.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Well paced for a documentary, at 1 hr. Short enough for a weeknight.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

Twenty years ago, a young American hiker named Chris McCandless, the accomplished son of successful middle class parents, was found dead in an abandoned bus in the Alaskan wilderness and became the subject of the best-selling book and movie “Into the Wild.” Now, PBS retraces Chris McCandless’ steps to try to piece together why he severed all ties with his past, burnt or gave away all his money, changed his name and headed into the Denali Wilderness. McCandless' own letters, released for the first time, as well as new and surprising interviews, probe the mystery that still lies at the heart of a story that has become part of the American literary canon and compels so many to this day.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jeanmarie Condon, Ann Johnson Prum

  • Carine McCandlessSelf
  • Walt McCandlessSelf
  • Billie McCandlessSelf
  • Sean PennSelf
  • Wayne WesterbergSelf
  • Jan BurresSelf
  • Shelly McCandlessSelf
  • Shawna DowningSelf