Wolf

“On all levels except physical, I am a wolf.” - Naia Ōkami, 2013 Wolf is an interesting case. It clearly has something to say, but misses the mark. That’s not to say it doesn’t give it a strong effort, with plenty of good performances, cinematography, and set design. Some have said that it’s a Yorgos Lanthimos rip off, and I understand where they are coming from, but I think that downplays how good Wolf is. Connor Mackay and Lily Rose-Depp deliver on their performances. Mackay makes a case to be one of the strongest up and coming physical actors of this generations. His mannerisms as a man feel awkward, to match his characters inner struggle. When he goes into wolf mode though, it’s so natural. Even the way his muscles hold themselves on his bones change to match him. It’s really well done. Lily Rose-Depp, aka Wildcat, is a lost soul. Someone yearning for companionship in the hellish existence she finds herself in. At the end of the day, much like animals born in a zoo. She’s raised in captivity. Rose-Depp doesn’t necessarily stop the show, but her chemistry and intimacy with Mackay’s Jacob is dutifully held on her shoulders. The supporting cast never jumps out at you, except for one young man, and The Zookeeper. Fionn O’Shea, who plays Rufus, absolutely nails what a boy who believes he is a German Shepherd would do. Whether it’s the docile behavior to being ridiculed, the marking of their territory, or trying to herd his fellow patients. I really enjoyed seeing him. The Zookeeper is played by Paddy Considine from Hot Fuzz. Though it’s not clear, I do believe we are meant to think there’s something more to his performance, but I don’t want to spoil that. He’s dastardly though, in a very convincing way. Moving on to the cinematography, it’s established early on that this is a beautiful movie. Luckily, that holds true throughout. Some really inventive shots in there. Ultimately, Wolf wont be for everyone. If I’m being honest, I don’t think the director knows who it’s actually for at all. It’s good though, you should see it.