Something Wild Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A boring accountant skips out on a bill and gets kidnapped by a manic pixie dream girl, only to have things get REALLY awkward when her ex, who’s fresh out of the slammer, shows up to reclaim his property.

🍿 Something Wild: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Chance Encounter

Charles Driggs, a buttoned-down yuppie, attempts to skip out on a lunch bill at a diner in New York City. He’s caught by Lulu, a free-spirited and eccentric woman, who confronts him about his actions. Instead of reporting him, she offers him a ride, and their impromptu adventure begins.

On the Road with Lulu

Lulu takes Charles on a spontaneous road trip, leading him away from his predictable corporate life. Their journey involves petty thefts, quirky encounters, and a night in a motel where Lulu handcuffs Charles to the bed, initiating a series of increasingly bizarre and sexually charged scenarios. He eventually calls his boss and lies, letting him know that he won’t make it into the office. Charles slowly embraces this wild side of life that Lulu exposes him to.

Back to Audrey’s Hometown

The pair ends up in Audrey’s (Lulu’s real name) hometown. They visit her mother, where Audrey introduces Charles as her husband. They then attend her high school reunion, posing as a married couple, in another strange and somewhat hilarious ruse. There, Charles awkwardly meets a coworker, threatening to expose his double life. However, this is not even the biggest threat that awaits him that evening.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charles Driggs (Jeff Daniels): A strait-laced yuppie whose life is turned upside down when he meets Lulu and embarks on a wild adventure.
• Audrey Hankel, aka Lulu (Melanie Griffith): A free-spirited and unpredictable woman who pulls Charles out of his comfort zone and into a world of spontaneity and crime.
• Ray Sinclair (Ray Liotta): Audrey’s volatile and dangerous ex-convict husband who disrupts their escapade and brings violence into the picture.
• Irene (Margaret Colin): Ray’s date at the high school reunion, who is caught in the middle of the escalating conflict.
• Peaches (Kenneth Utt): Audrey’s mother, who offers a glimpse into Audrey’s past and a moment of unexpected normalcy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Audrey ‘Lulu’ Hankel: “I just like big things between my legs.” – Said to a motorcycle cop when he asks if she’s interested in motorcycles.
• Audrey ‘Lulu’ Hankel: “You know what your problem is? You’re too cautious, Charlie. You’re afraid to live.” – Lulu criticizes Charlie’s uptight nature early in their adventure, challenging him to be more spontaneous.
• Ray Sinclair: “Friends?” – Ray menacingly attempts to befriend Charlie while subtly threatening him at the high school reunion.
• Audrey ‘Lulu’ Hankel: “Don’t call me Lulu, call me Audrey.” – Audrey asks Charlie to call her by her real name when they visit her mother, marking a shift in her character.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $8,362,969
• Worldwide Gross: $8,363,432

💥 Something Wild Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Something Wild’ late one night and it totally blew my mind! The way the movie shifts from funny to scary is so well done. Melanie Griffith is amazing as Lulu, and Ray Liotta is terrifying. I specifically remember being on the edge of my seat during the high school reunion scene – so much tension! Definitely a movie I keep coming back to.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate unconventional romantic comedies”
  • “Those who like films with unexpected plot twists”
  • “Ray Liotta fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Jonathan Demme’s ‘Something Wild’ is a quirky, unpredictable ride that blends screwball comedy with moments of genuine menace. Melanie Griffith shines as the enigmatic Lulu, while Jeff Daniels delivers a nuanced performance as the yuppie swept up in her chaotic world. It’s an 80s gem that deserves rediscovery.
• Variety: “A rollercoaster of genres, ‘Something Wild’ starts as a lighthearted comedy before plunging into thriller territory. Ray Liotta’s intense performance as the ex-con adds a dangerous edge. Demme masterfully balances the tonal shifts, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

Ray Liotta’s performance is unforgettable and makes the second half of the movie intense.: Viewers praise the film’s unpredictable plot twists and great soundtrack.

Overall Consensus: ‘Something Wild’ is a cult classic praised for its genre-bending narrative, strong performances, and unforgettable soundtrack. Though some find the tonal shifts jarring, most appreciate its unique and unpredictable nature.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Waters has a cameo as a used car salesman.”
• “The two old ladies in the re-sale shop are the mothers of David Byrne and director Jonathan Demme.”
• “The soundtrack was compiled by John Cale and Laurie Anderson.”

🖥️ How to Watch Something Wild?

Something Wild is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for possible streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Something Wild, you might like these similar films:

• After Hours (1985): Similar dark comedy about a yuppie’s night spiraling out of control in New York City.
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Shares themes of outlaw romance and a descent into violence, though with a darker tone.
• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): Black comedy about a hitman revisiting his high school reunion, blending humor with unexpected danger.
• Wild at Heart (1990): Another David Lynch road movie filled with eccentric characters and violence.
• Queen & Slim (2019): A more recent film that captures the chaos, unpredictability, and romantic element of a dangerous road trip.

🛒 Something Wild Related Products

• Something Wild (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored edition of the film, featuring insightful commentary and bonus content, making it a must-have for serious cinephiles.
• Something Wild (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the eclectic sounds of the film with this remastered soundtrack, featuring David Byrne, Celia Cruz, and more. Perfect for fans of 80s music and film scores.
• Melanie Griffith Autographed ‘Something Wild’ Photo: A rare autographed photo of Melanie Griffith as Lulu in ‘Something Wild’. A treasured item for fans of the film and its iconic character.
• Something Wild Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. A stylish addition to any film lover’s home decor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Something Wild features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Loco de Amor” – performed by David Byrne with Celia Cruz
• “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” – performed by Fine Young Cannibals
• “Wild Thing” – performed by Sister Carol East

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Someting Wild (1986) – Sister Carol playing Wild Thing (High Quality Video)

Ever wondered what ‘Wild Thing’ sounds like with a reggae twist? Sister Carol’s performance in ‘Something Wild’ is iconic! I was surprised how much I loved it!

The Feelies play David Bowie’s Fame in Something Wild

Did you know The Feelies covered Bowie’s ‘Fame’ in ‘Something Wild’? It’s a surprisingly cool and raw performance that really fits the movie’s vibe. Give it a listen, you won’t regret it!

✨ Rate