MOVIE REVIEW
Wolves
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Danny Dunlop
Writer(s): Danny Dunlop
Cast: Mark Nocent, Jake Raymond, Allan Dobrescu
Where To Watch: available now via the following Blu-ray www.amazon.com, DVD www.amazon.com, Streaming here Apple www.tv.apple.com, Google www.play.google.com, Tubi www.tubitv.com, Vudu www.vudu.com, Hoopla www.hoopladigital.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the frostbitten grip of a Canadian winter, WOLVES unveils a tale of solitude and suspense that gnaws at the edges of the human psyche. Directed by Danny Dunlop and drawing from the eerie real-life events of his hometown, London, Ontario, the film traces the chilling journey of a young hermit, played by Mark Nocent. As he unravels the mystery behind a series of brutal animal mutilations, the line between predator and prey blurs, catapulting him into a chilling vortex of obsession and discovery.

As the snow blankets every frame, we meet our protagonist, a man with no name, whose solitude is punctuated only by the thrill of petty thefts and the ghostly glow of fleeting memories. His descent into the heart of the town’s darkness is as much a confrontation with his inner demons as with the physical ones mutilating the local wildlife. Nocent’s portrayal is subtle, capturing the dual essence of vulnerability and lurking danger.

Dunlop’s directorial approach is a systematic study of tension and atmosphere. Much like the slow panning of the camera across desolate landscapes, the deliberate pacing builds an immersive sense of dread. Each scene, meticulously framed, echoes the isolation of the environment and the soul. The use of jump cuts and the starkness of the setting serve as a mirror to the protagonist’s fragmented mental state, heightening the film’s narrative.

The story unfolds like a dark dance between reality and reflection, with the investigation as a backdrop for deeper introspection. The protagonist’s eerie back-and-forth with the mysterious perpetrator challenges viewers to ponder his motives and their reflections in the story's darkness.

WOLVES delves into themes of loneliness and the profound human need for connection. While the plot's slow burn might test some patience, it crafts a compelling space for the characters’ psychological complexities to unfold. The minimalist dialogue and the prolonged shots accentuate the overwhelming sense of isolation, making the film’s atmosphere thick with anticipation.

With its intricate blend of psychological depth and haunting visuals, WOLVES establishes itself as a welcome addition to the psychological thriller genre. Dunlop’s all-encompassing role in crafting this film— from writing to scoring— assures a unified and powerful vision that resonates long after the credits roll. This process often doesn’t work, but this cook is wearing all the hats and, in this case, paid off. This film not only explores the thin line between isolation and insanity but does so with a visual flair that enchants and terrifies in equal measure.

This film is an unforgettable haunting experience that etches itself into the viewer’s mind, compelling them to ponder the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping a human soul.

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[photo courtesy of BLACK MANDALA]

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