Fifty Game of Thrones characters, matched with their favorite movies

Ygritte: Wild

Game of Thrones has plenty of kick-butt female characters, and Jon Snow’s former lover Ygritte is one of the most memorable. For her favorite movie, she’ll want an equally inspiring female lead to represent her. She’d probably be all about the critically-acclaimed 2014 film Wild, which resonant with her own emotional life experience.

This movie (a true story, btw) stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed. After the death of her mother, Cheryl tries to numb her crippling depression with drug use and anonymous sex, both of which ultimately contribute to the dissolution of her marriage. To redeem her past wrongs, Cheryl sets off an incredible journey to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

The themes would hit home for Ygritte. Wild explores loss, which Ygritte felt when Jon betrayed her and went back to Castle Black. It explores people’s connection to nature, something she understands intimately thanks to a childhood spent beyond the Wall. Most importantly, it explores redemption. Ygritte faces a bitter end in part because she cannot allow herself to reconnect with Jon and forgive the differences between them.

I like this pick for Ygritte because Witherspoon’s Cheryl doesn’t come off as unfeminine. Ygritte may try to hide her vulnerability, but she clearly has a sensitive side, as illustrated by her devotion to both Jon Snow and the cause of her people, the wildlings. Just like Cheryl Strayed, she can’t be pinned down. She combines wildness and courage with a delicate touch.