Wanderland

Wanderland is a 2018 indie film directed by Josh Klausner, starring Tate Ellington as Alex, a New Yorker who is struggling to find meaningful work as an actor. After a particularly rough audition, he meets a mysterious woman named Joy (Tara Summers) who offers him a job as a tour guide in her home town of Woodstock. Joy promises Alex that his life will be transformed by the beauty and magic of this legendary town, and he agrees to embark on the journey with her.

The road trip through upstate New York to Woodstock proves to be interesting for the pair. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a group of nudist musicians and a friendly farmer who tests Alex's courage by offering him some hallucinogenic mushrooms. But once they arrive in Woodstock, Alex finds himself struggling to make sense of what he sees around him. The town is filled with hippies, artists, and other free-spirited individuals, and Alex finds himself drawn into their world.

As Alex begins to settle into his new role as a tour guide, he also begins to discover more about himself. He finds himself falling for Joy, even though she is evasive and mysterious about her own past. He also starts to connect with the people he meets on the tour, including a pregnant woman who is expecting any day, a quick-witted mechanic, and a painter who struggles to find acceptance in the art world.

All the while, Alex's life starts to resemble a surreal dream, as he experiences strange visions and even loses track of time. He starts to suspect that something is not quite right with his tour group, and begins to investigate. As he uncovers clues, he begins to realize that Joy and the others in Woodstock might not be who they seem.

The film is a whimsical and witty look at the search for happiness and the importance of finding one's own path in life. The story is shot through with humor and quirkiness, and the characters are richly drawn and endearing. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and magic of Woodstock and the surrounding countryside.

Ellington turns in a terrific performance as Alex, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man searching for his place in the world. Summers is equally compelling as Joy, a woman with a dark secret who is tough yet vulnerable. Victoria Clark shines in a supporting role as Alex's mother, providing some of the film's most humorous moments.

In summary, Wanderland is a charming and thought-provoking film that is well worth seeking out. It explores themes of identity, creativity, and the meaning of life in a way that is both deeply human and entirely unpredictable. It is a true gem of independent cinema, and a must-watch for anyone looking for a truly original and entertaining experience.