Wild Child

Sixteen year old Poppy Moore has a life built on designer clothes, fast credit cards, and constant praise. After a single reckless prank, her father ships her off to a stern English boarding school where tradition rules and the staff expect obedience rather than flair. The campus is a tight network where cliques clash and mischief is met with strict discipline. Far from home and comforts, Poppy confronts rules she never learned to respect and teachers who test her resolve. With time, she stumbles into real friendships, discovers what loyalty means, and begins to rethink her priorities. The story follows her gradual shift from entitlement toward responsibility, without relying on quick fixes or cheap humor.

Directed by Nick Moore and adapted from Lucy Dahl's novel, Wild Child opened in 2008. Emma Roberts stars as Poppy, with Alex Pettyfer as Freddie Kingsley and Natasha Richardson as Mrs Kingsley, supported by a bright young cast and witty supporting characters who challenge her.

Worldwide box office reached about 22 million dollars, against a budget of 20 million. The result marks a modest commercial showing for a teen comedy with a familiar premise and a cast that drew viewers seeking light hearted romance and accessible, feel-good moments for families worldwide.

Wild Child sits in the late 2000s wave of teen dramedies set at boarding schools and uses a bold yet relatable heroine who learns to balance privilege with empathy. It helped broaden Emma Roberts appeal beyond family friendly roles toward more grown up material.

Critics described the film as largely familiar yet appealing, a breezy mix of humor and heart. Its core themes focus on growth, responsibility, and friendship, as a spoiled teen discovers how loyalty and integrity can reshape her life and reshape her outlook on love and ambition in meaningful ways today.