Generation Wolf

Generation Wolf from 2016 is an intense drama that encapsulates the gritty realities of business cynicism, the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and the rebirth of the American Dream. The movie portrays the struggles, perseverance and resilience of a small-town man who aspires to achieve success, in spite of the relentless odds stacked against him.

Directed by Christian de la Cortina, who also plays the lead role of Vincent Del Toro, the movie’s storyline moves at a emphatic yet careful pace, enthralling viewers while simultaneously providing enough space to introspect upon the characters. Hayley Sales and Michael D. Cohen offer solid performances in key supporting roles, adding substance and depth to the narrative.

The plot focuses on Vincent Del Toro, an enterprising young man from a humble background. Being raised deep in the heart of Midwest America, Vincent dreams of financial independence and success. One of the cornerstones of his plan is an innovative business idea that he hopes will change his fate. He dreams of setting up a solar panel business to support his family, and he’s willing to stake everything to make it work.

The setting of Detroit during its economic decline serves as the backdrop to Vincent's struggling business venture. As Vincent invests all of his money and energy into his business, he faces several roadblocks, both bureaucratic and financial, which start to erode his optimistic spirit and determination. Desperation grows as his financial situation worsens, Vincent is pushed into a corner with no apparent way out.

As he struggles to maintain his business, Vincent meets Sophia (played by Hayley Sales), a woman who brings into his life a sense of positivity and hope. Despite the hardships, Sophia continues to provide emotional support to Vincent, adding a romantic subplot to the movie which serves as a breather amidst the high-stakes suspense.

The film’s title, Generation Wolf, is an allegory of Vincent's transformation into a 'wolf' as he scrambles to survive in a brutal business landscape. In an environment where adaptability is crucial, Vincent is compelled to make some morally dubious choices to keep his dreams alive.

The supporting character Micky (Michael D. Cohen) depicts the moral tension that Vincent finds himself in. As Vincent's friend, his character often acts as the moral compass, questioning and challenging Vincent's decisions, establishing an intriguing character dynamic and interplay throughout the narrative.

The film’s appealing cinematography effectively manages to capture the stark contrasts between the tranquil landscapes of rural Midwest and gritty cityscape of Detroit. As much a character as the people on screen, the settings perfectly complement the emotional trajectory of Vincent and his existential struggle.

Running at a length of 97 minutes, Generation Wolf is a relatable tale about facing adversity and the lengths to which one would go to achieve success. Although the film touches upon themes such as materialism, ambition, and personal sacrifice, it is primarily an in-depth character study of a man navigating his way through the treacherous maze of shattered dreams and dwindling hope.

The soundtrack of Generation Wolf is powerful and fitting, helping to drive the emotional content of the movie while effectively capturing the changing mood and ambiance.

While Generation Wolf may appear to depict a universally told tale of the struggle and determination faced by an entrepreneur, it comes with its own unique twist, setting it apart from the rest. Its portrayal of a protagonist who is willing to compromise ethics for survival adds a grey shade to the otherwise black and white representation of good and evil. This, coupled with intense and compelling performances from the lead actors, and thoughtfully crafted storyline, makes Generation Wolf a must-watch for those seeking a nuanced drama that showcases the trials of entrepreneurship and the human spirit.

In all, Generation Wolf serves as the embodiment of the American Dream's duality, reflecting the perseverance required to attain success while unraveling the sometimes harsh realities one has to accept to fulfil an ambition. With a pace that sustains interest while leaving room for introspection, the movie stands as a captivating character study that wrestles with morality and survival in the modern business landscape.