Wildlife

Wildlife is a powerful, evocative drama set in the 1960s, directed by Paul Dano. The film is based on the 1990 novel of the same name written by Richard Ford. It features a cast of eminent actors such as Ed Oxenbould, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Carey Mulligan.

The narrative of Wildlife primarily unfolds from a youth's perspective. The focus is on Joe Brinson (Ed Oxenbould), a 14-year-old boy who is thrust into a maelstrom of adult complications when his family undergoes severe strains. The Brinsons appear as a typical American family on the surface, living in the peaceful, picturesque suburbs of Montana. However, beneath this exterior lies a volatile family dynamic that stirs the crux of the story.

Joe’s father, Jerry (Jake Gyllenhaal), is a golf pro at a local country club. However, when he loses his job, it sparks a series of tumultuous events that deeply affect the family. Struggling to deal with his unemployment and the feelings of inadequacy that come with it, Jerry makes the impulsive decision to join the firefighting teams battling the raging wildfires in the mountains, leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves.

Left to hold the family affairs together is Joe’s mother, Jeanette (Carey Mulligan). Jeanette initially appears as a traditional housewife, content with her role in the societal norms of the time. However, the unexplained absence of her husband leads her to question her place in the world as she starts to break out of the comfy and cosy confines of her domestic life.

The performances of the leading trio bring depth and dimensions to their roles. Jake Gyllenhaal, in particular, does a great job at portraying Jerry's cascading masculine despair, while Mulligan's Jeanette embodies the complexities of a woman rediscovering her identity beyond the confines of her usual routines.

Young Australian actor, Ed Oxenbould, holding the linchpin role of Joe, carries the narrative weight proficiently. His performance successfully conveys the turbulent emotions experienced by a teenager tossed into an unpredictable adult world all too suddenly. Oxenbould's Joe represents a narrative anchor, combining youthful innocence with a dawning understanding of life's complicated truths.

The strength of Wildlife lies not only in its character-driven plot, but also in its careful and skilled exploration of broader themes. The film subtly addresses the dismantling of traditional family roles and the personal hardships faced by individuals when they are pulled away from their comfort zone. It also provides a nuanced commentary on fragile masculinity, the dilemma of personal identity and the tumult of being on the cusp of maturity.

One of the elements of Wildlife that impressively stands out is its beautiful and atmospheric cinematography. The rugged beauty of the Montana setting, the smoky mountain vistas, and the simple, understated American suburbia are all captured with a careful aesthetic that mirrors the simmering emotional conflict within the characters. This combination of natural beauty and intimate storytelling creates a gripping visual narrative that adds depth to the entire movie.

The director Paul Dano, known for his acting roles, makes his directorial debut with Wildlife, demonstrating his knack for storytelling through a strong handle on the visuals and thematic structure of the film. Dano paints an authentic and poignant portrayal of a struggling family, compelling the audience to navigate the murky waters of familial relationships, self-realisation, and personal independence.

Wildlife, while being a character-driven film, also employs the use of its setting to construct a deeper narrative. The title itself is symbolic, representing not only the wildfire that pushes the plot forward, but also the complex, untamed emotions lurking beneath the surface of each character.

In summary, Wildlife is an affecting portrait of a family coming undone, capturing the struggle of its characters with sensitivity and nuance. Its themes are lovingly handled by Dano, and powerfully projected by a strong ensemble cast, creating a film that is both touching and thought-provoking. The film is an emotionally honest exploration of themes such as personal identity, the complexity of relationships, and the pains of growing and changing—both as individuals and as a family.