🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Julien Nitzberg
- Genre: Documentary
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 1h 26min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (5.4K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A family in West Virginia does whatever they want, consequences be damned, and someone filmed it; basically, ‘Jackass’ but with more crippling poverty.
🍿 The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to the White Family
The documentary introduces the White family of Boone County, West Virginia, notorious for their outlaw reputation and association with mountain dancing. Central to the family’s notoriety is Jesco White, the subject of the earlier documentary “Dancing Outlaw.” The film aims to present a raw and unfiltered look into their daily lives.

Daily Life and Struggles
The film captures the Whites’ daily routines, marked by drug use, petty crime, and interactions with law enforcement. It highlights the cycle of poverty and addiction that plagues the family, showing the limited opportunities available to them. The documentary aims to expose the underlying social and economic issues contributing to their lifestyle.

Family Dynamics and Relationships
The documentary explores the complex relationships within the White family. It shows their loyalty to each other amidst the chaos of their lives, alongside the tensions and conflicts that arise from their lifestyle. Family matriarchs play central roles, attempting to maintain some semblance of order.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jesco White (Self): The star of ‘Dancing Outlaw,’ Jesco is a mountain dancer known for his tap dancing and connection to the White family legacy.
- Mamie White (Self): The eldest daughter of D. Ray White embodies the ‘Biggest, Meanest, and Baddest’ persona associated with the White family’s outlaw image.
- Sue Bob White (Self): A daughter of D. Ray White, Sue Bob navigates family challenges and embodies the White family’s complicated relationships.
- Kirk White (Self): A younger member of the White family, Kirk struggles with addiction and its impact on her family.
- Hank Williams III (Themselves): As a country musician, Hank Williams III is revered by the White family, and his music reflects the themes of rebellion and hardship present in their lives.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Narrator: “The Whites. You either love ’em, or you hate ’em.” – Sets the stage for the divisive and extreme reactions the family evokes.
- Mamie White: “We’re the Whites, we do what we want.” – A defiant statement that embodies the family’s rebellious and unapologetic attitude.
- Kirk White: “I’m trying to get clean for my baby.” – Shows the struggle with addiction and the desire for change within the family.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia Reviews
Personal Review
This movie is a wild ride, and not in a good way. It’s like watching a train wreck – you can’t look away, but you feel dirty afterwards. The raw, unfiltered look at the White family’s lives is both fascinating and deeply disturbing. I was left feeling a mix of shock, sadness, and a weird kind of morbid curiosity.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Documentary enthusiasts”
- “Those interested in Appalachian culture”
- “Viewers seeking a raw and unfiltered portrayal of poverty and addiction”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Drug use”
- “Violence”
- “Language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While disturbing, the film offers a glimpse into a subculture rarely seen, highlighting both the humor and the tragedy within the White family’s chaotic lives. It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s undeniably compelling.
- The New York Times: “The documentary walks a fine line between exploitation and observation. Though it’s hard to look away from the Whites’ antics, one can’t help but question the filmmakers’ intent and the impact on their subjects.
Audience Reactions
The film’s unflinching portrayal of a family living on the fringes of society captivated viewers.: Many viewers found the documentary to be a compelling, albeit disturbing, look at a unique American subculture.
Overall Consensus: The film is a polarizing documentary that offers a disturbing yet captivating look at a dysfunctional family, leaving viewers with mixed feelings about its subjects and the filmmakers’ approach.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was produced by Dickhouse Productions, known for their involvement with the ‘Jackass’ franchise, bringing a raw and unfiltered style to the documentary.”
- “The documentary aims to explore the impact of poverty, corruption, and coal mining on the White family and their community in West Virginia.”
- “Jesco White, already known from ‘Dancing Outlaw,’ serves as a central figure, connecting the family’s history with their present struggles.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia?
As a documentary, “The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia” may be available on streaming platforms such as Tubi, which has been known to host similar documentaries. Check subscription services like Prime Video or Apple TV for rental or purchase options. Due to its niche appeal and independent nature, availability may vary. Consider digital retailers like Google Play or YouTube Movies for purchasing or renting the film.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia, you might like these similar films:
- Dancing Outlaw (1991): Precursor documentary focusing on Jesco White, providing the backstory to the White family.
- American Movie (1999): Shares a similar tone of darkly comedic and sympathetic portrayal of eccentric, working-class individuals pursuing unconventional dreams.
- Grey Gardens (1975): Another documentary about a marginalized family living outside societal norms, offering a glimpse into their unique world.
🛒 The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia Related Products
- Dancing Outlaw DVD: The original documentary featuring Jesco White, showcasing his unique tap-dancing style and introducing the White family to the world.
- West Virginia T-Shirt: Show your love for the state with this iconic T-shirt
- Country Music Album: Get in the mood with a Country Music Album.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The White family resides in Boone County, West Virginia, a region known for its history of poverty, coal mining, and a unique cultural identity.
Jesco White is a mountain dancer and a prominent figure in the White family. He gained fame as the subject of the documentary “Dancing Outlaw,” which explored his unique dancing style and unconventional life.
“Dancing Outlaw” is a 1991 documentary that focuses on the life and dancing of Jesco White. It gained a cult following for its portrayal of Appalachian culture and White’s eccentric personality.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Wild & Wonderful Whites Of West Virginia: Sue Bob
Want a quick peek into the life of Sue Bob White? This short clip gives you a taste of her personality and what makes her so captivating. I was surprised by her candidness!
Jesco White discusses tattoos & Mothman
Ever wonder what’s behind Jesco White’s tattoos and his fascination with the Mothman? This interview gives you a peek into his mind! I think it’s so interesting to hear about his passions.
Update on the wild wonderful whites of West Virginia
Curious about what happened to the Whites after the cameras stopped rolling? This update video gives you a glimpse into their lives and how things have changed! I found it fascinating to see where they are now.
JULIEN NITZBERG: The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia
Julien Nitzberg shares his story to make this documentary. The Whites of West Virginia story comes to life thanks to old personal footage! It is wild, colorful, and a true story.
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