Wildhood 2022

Lincoln “Link” Lewitski is a troubled teenager in his late teens navigating a difficult life with his abusive single father and younger brother, Travis, in a dilapidated trailer park situated in Canada. One fateful day, after enduring a particularly violent confrontation, Link discovers a shocking truth: his mother, long thought to be deceased, is actually alive. This revelation prompts an impulsive decision—Link decides to flee with Travis in search of her.

During an unplanned stop for supplies, Link encounters Pasmay, a Mi’kmaq pow wow dancer, who takes an immediate interest in him. However, Link, caught up in his own turmoil, rudely dismisses Pasmay. Soon after, while attempting to pay for their groceries, an unjust accusation of theft from the store clerk leads to an explosive confrontation. In an unexpected turn, Pasmay stands up for the brothers against the clerk’s blatant racism. Though tensions rise as a result, the trio manages to escape in Pasmay’s car when the clerk threatens to involve the police. What begins as a mere escape soon turns into a journey of self-discovery; Link hesitantly accepts Pasmay’s further assistance when he learns of food being offered.

As the sun sets on their tumultuous day, Pasmay showcases a gentle understanding of Link’s plight. He offers to help the two brothers reunite with their birth mother, while also teaching Travis about their indigenous heritage. As they spend more time together, the connection among Link, Pasmay, and Travis deepens, despite some initial bumps in their relationship.

Their quest leads them to a rehabilitation center linked to Link’s mother; however, the owner is unhelpful, only causing frustration for Link. Just as despair begins to set in, Pasmay surprises Link with a stolen file revealing an address for his mother. When they arrive, the house stands desolate and in ruins. While rummaging through the remnants, Link discovers old photographs of his mother, bringing forth a surge of emotion as he finds solace momentarily in one of her old dresses. Pasmay continues to educate the brothers about their culture, showing Link a pow wow dance, although embarrassment causes Link to distance himself when Travis mocks him.

After their vehicle breaks down during a heavy downpour, the trio meets Smokey, who offers them a ride under the promise that Link will assist him with a small task related to his cake-making business. This leads them to an exotic nightclub called “Tiger Lily,” where Link learns more about the tribe his mother was part of from a flamboyant drag queen. Smokey’s intentions to help are genuine, but Link hesitantly declines further assistance. Nonetheless, Link accepts some cash from Smokey, expressing gratitude in his native tongue. The relationship between Link and Travis begins to strain, particularly as tensions bubble over regarding the blossoming connection between Link and Pasmay.

One night, amidst the comforts of a hotel room, Travis expresses his frustration, prompting Link to promise better times ahead with food and shelter. That evening, while Travis sleeps, Link joins Pasmay for a swim in a nearby waterfall, marking the beginning of their intimate relationship with a first kiss and more. In the aftermath of their encounter, Pasmay checks in on Link’s feelings, and Link reveals that although it was an unfamiliar experience, he enjoyed it immensely.

However, doubts creep in when Pasmay suggests that Link consider letting go of the search for his mother. Tempers flare; Link reacts harshly, but the two eventually reconcile and affirm their mutual feelings. The culmination of their journey leads them to Link’s mother, who, while apologetic for her past decisions, agrees to be a part of Link’s life again. With encouragement, Link embraces both his mother and Pasmay.

In a heartwarming conclusion, the film culminates on a joyful note as the three boys dance together on the beach to Pasmay’s pow wow routine, celebrating newfound familial bonds, love, and the resilience born out of hardship.