A new docuseries, Wild Boys: Strangers In Town, explores the story of two young men who claimed to have been raised in the wilderness, only to reveal a different reality that captivated a community in Vernon, British Columbia. Released on Paramount+, this two-part series recounts the events of 2003, when 23-year-old Tom Green and 16-year-old Will Green emerged from the woods seeking shelter and food.
The docuseries, directed by Jeremiah Hammerling and Rita Baghdadi, features interviews with key figures, including Tami Ryder, who took the boys in. Ryder and her family provided support as the community rallied around the “Bush Boys,” a term coined by local media. Despite the boys’ captivating story, they initially refused to appear on camera, raising questions about their authenticity.
As the narrative unfolds, Henry Proce, an officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), begins to probe deeper into the boys’ claims. Tom’s evasiveness during questioning hinted at a hidden truth, which finally emerged after a Toronto-based CBC film crew managed to secure an interview with them. It was revealed that the boys were not from the wilderness but were actually named Kyle and Roen Horn, having run away from their home in California about a year prior.
The story takes a more intricate turn as it delves into the reasons behind the Horn brothers’ departure from home. Rather than issues with their parents, the narrative focuses on Roen’s unusual “Fruitarian” diet, which had prompted child protective services to consider involuntary institutionalization. To protect his brother, Kyle made the decision to escape with him to Canada, although he did inform their parents that he was travelling alone. The revelations about their upbringing paint a complex picture of a family immersed in unconventional beliefs, including skepticism towards mainstream media and vaccines.
The second episode captures the brothers’ lives years later, showcasing Roen’s physical recovery but ongoing mental health struggles. The family dynamics reveal a striking lack of depth in addressing these issues, reflecting a broader disconnection from societal norms. Roen’s involvement with the “live forever” movement and the extreme nature of his dietary choices further illustrate the challenges they faced, including the development of an eating disorder stemming from his childhood experiences.
The docuseries effectively combines extensive documentary and news footage from local outlets and the CBC, adding credibility to the narrative. While some reenactments are present, the majority of the storytelling relies on real footage, enhancing the authenticity of the unfolding drama. The portrayal of Tami Ryder, who initially offered the boys a chance at a new life, adds a poignant layer to the story—her kindness met with betrayal as the truth comes to light.
Despite the compelling narrative, some viewers may question the decision to divide the 90-minute runtime into two parts. While there is a clear turning point when the truth is revealed, the story could have functioned effectively as a single documentary. The second half, however, introduces additional layers of complexity that keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Wild Boys: Strangers In Town presents a captivating exploration of deception and community response. It invites viewers to reflect on the nature of truth and belief while posing significant questions about the lengths individuals will go to escape their realities. As the story unfolds, viewers are left with less sympathy for the Horn brothers than they might have felt initially, making it a thought-provoking watch.
