The Wolfpack

The 2015 American documentary film "The Wolfpack", directed by Crystal Moselle, presents an intensely intriguing narrative that defies establishments of traditional cinematic storytelling while offering an intimate view into the lives of the Angulo family. The often surreal and eerie picture revolves around the lives of the six Angulo brothers, namely Bhagavan, Govinda, Narayana, Mukunda, Krisna, and Jagadesh, along with their sister Visnu and their mother, Susanne. The majority of characters in the film go by various names, reinforcing the unique setting and environment these individuals were raised in. The setting? An apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. Yet this is no ordinary apartment: it is a world entirely of its own.

In The Wolfpack, the Angulo siblings have spent most of their lives confined to their family's apartment, a shackled existence dictated by their "overbearing, paranoid father". Their peculiar and isolated upbringing is juxtaposed against the overwhelming hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life outside. Yet, the industrious siblings have found a way to appreciate and tacitly partake in the broader cultural landscape they were denied access to. Unconventional as it might be, they copiously watch and recreate scenes from popular American films as a form of self-education and imitation of an existence beyond their home. Be it Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" or Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight", they meticulously craft costumes, scripts, and even props to echo the films and, in turn, the exterior world.

The Wolfpack is a montage of on-point reenactments, archival footage, and spontaneous moments of sheer authenticity wherein the Angulo brothers document their inner and outer lives. Its primary focus lies on the family's eldest, Mukunda Angulo, who becomes the first to challenge their father's restrictions and ventures into the outside world, gradually followed by his brothers. A striking aspect is how the boys, secluded from society, perceive and interact with the world when they finally step out of their apartment, and how their perception is primarily fabricated from the imagery of Hollywood cinema.

Simultaneously dismal and uplifting, the film does not dismiss the trauma the brothers went through but also offers glimpses of resilience and hope. The rapport between the brothers, their shared experiences, and their collective resilience - all contribute to an incredibly poignant narrative that is at once disturbing and empowering. It subtly paints an image of the toxic harm of patriarchy and psychological abuse while paying tribute to the power of imagination and brotherhood in desolation.

The casting plays an imperative role in breathing life into The Wolfpack's potent narrative. Mukunda Angulo both captivates and endears the audience with his distinctive spirit and introspection. Narayana Angulo's sharp insights about the world, as seen through a kaleidoscope of movie scenes, also add depth. Their mother, Susanne Angulo, accurately represents a tormented yet hopeful figure, stuck in a grim circumstance with glimpses of freedom visible at the end of the tunnel.

Beyond the fascinating premise and striking execution, The Wolfpack is an exploration of various themes: control vs. liberation, restriction vs. exploration, and illusion vs. reality. It studies the effect of media as an escapist tool, the power of kinship, and the importance of individual and collective freedom. The film also casts an unsettling light on domestic oppressions that often remain hidden behind closed doors – offering a stark commentary on destructive patriarchy.

Director Crystal Moselle's delicate handling of sensitive subjects, combined with her ability to allow the characters to tell their story in an unobtrusive yet engaging manner, results in a documentary that is as deeply personal as it is universally resonant. She forays into the lives of the Angulo's with sensitivity and respect, capturing the raw emotions, turmoil, and triumphs that mark their extraordinary journey.

The Wolfpack is a compelling cinematic journey that can be heart-wrenching and inspiring at once. It's more than just a movie; it is a true story of survival, resilience, and the transformative power of cinema itself. This documentary leaves you contemplating the confounding aspects of human existence, familial bonds, society, and the magic of the silver screen, making for an unforgettable viewing experience.