Rent Something Wild (1986)

From Joyride to Jekyll & Hyde - Something Wild review by griggs

Jonathan Demme’s Something Wild is a blast–at least for a good chunk of its runtime. It kicks off with a quirky, rebellious energy that feels totally unpredictable, like jumping in a stranger’s car without knowing where you’ll end up. The soundtrack is incredible, full of jangly rock and new wave that keeps the momentum going and perfectly matches the film’s restless spirit. The production design is just as fun, bursting with bright colours, roadside Americana, and offbeat characters that make the world feel alive and full of surprises.

Melanie Griffith starts out as a total wildcard–commanding, mysterious, dressed in black with a matching wig, dragging Jeff Daniels into chaos. But disappointingly, the film tames her. Suddenly, she’s demure in white, her hair bleached, and instead of leading the adventure, she’s waiting to be rescued. As the film loses its initial spark, it starts to drift. Then Ray Liotta storms in like a lightning bolt, injecting the film with real danger and excitement. His raw intensity pulls everything back on track, making the final act a wild, gripping ride. A flawed but seriously fun film.