Young and Wild

Daniela, a vibrant 17-year-old girl living in Santiago, Chile, takes daring leaps into adulthood as she navigates her burgeoning sexuality. Defying her family’s deeply-rooted Protestant beliefs, she pens a provocative Internet blog called Joven y Alocada (Young and Wild), where she candidly explores her sexual escapades. This blog becomes her sanctuary, a space for questioning the teachings of her church while recounting experiences such as her first forays into masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex. As her online diary gains momentum, comments flood in from a mixed crowd—supporters, gossipmongers, and even propositioners seeking more than words.

The turning point arrives when Daniela is caught in a compromising situation with a fellow student, leading to her expulsion from her conservative Christian school. Initially, her mother remains silent about the incident, but soon, tragedy strikes as Daniela learns that her beloved aunt, a free-spirited woman who inspires her, is being hospitalized due to cancer. During this emotional turmoil, her aunt beseeches Daniela’s mother not to send her away for intensive missionary work.

Taking control of her life, Daniela begins working at a local Christian television station as a gopher, where she encounters colleagues Tomás and Antonia. The attraction between Daniela and Tomás ignites a passionate fire within her, leading to daydreams and attempts at seduction, even as he staunchly upholds his abstinence before marriage. Frustrated by her desires, Daniela initiates a romantic encounter with him at a party, only to be interrupted.

In a moment of candidness, she confides to Antonia her desire to be intimate not only with Tomás but also with her. This sparks the beginning of a secret affair with Antonia, which Daniela chronicles on her blog. Her parents, trusting Tomás, allow him to spend unsupervised time with Daniela. However, a turning point looms as Tomás becomes unsettled by Daniela’s wandering affections. After yielding to intimacy, Daniela finds herself torn between her love for both Antonia and Tomás, engaging in secret encounters with both.

As their relationship grows tumultuous, Antonia longs for a public acknowledgment of their love, but Daniela remains hesitant to abandon either partner. A miraculous turn of events during her family’s prayers causes her to reassess her faith and moral compass. In a surprising twist, she declares her intention to be baptized, stirring excitement within her family. Her aunt meticulously prepares for the baptismal event at a tranquil lake, reminiscent of her own experiences.

However, when Tomás stumbles upon Daniela’s blog, the revelation of her dual affairs leads to heartbreak as both he and Antonia sever ties with her. Compounding her grief, her mother chastises her for her choices, and soon after, her aunt passes away, casting a shadow of doubt on Daniela’s understanding of faith and relationships.

Following the funeral, Daniela reflects on her journey through a poignant voice-over, citing Paul the Apostle, and declares that she has not forsaken the innocent beliefs of her childhood, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of love, faith, and self-discovery she has encountered along the way.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 12:02