Out Come the Wolves - Wir sind die Beute

These movies are usually the kind that I personally enjoy, even though they are often quite flawed. I thought this movie would involve a couple of people constantly being threatened by a pack of wolves and fighting them off for their survival, and I was excited to see that or something similar. Instead, the movie unfolds a little differently.

A guy invites his female friend and her soon-to-be husband to his cabin. After plenty of conversation and drama, it becomes clear that the guy has always had feelings for his female best friend and is obviously not okay with her getting married. The next day, he takes a short hunting trip on an ATV with the soon-to-be husband. Growing tensions between the two are suddenly interrupted by a couple of wolves. Up to this point, the movie seemed fine, but then the characters start acting like complete idiots.

For some reason, they have only a bow and barely any ammunition. The guy, who was initially portrayed as an experienced hunter, suddenly has a complete meltdown when he encounters the first wolf. Normally, a wolf would immediately run away, but in this movie, it becomes aggressive and starts attacking, which is fine as a concept. There are quite a few attack scenes, but they are mostly shot in extreme close-ups with lots of shaky cam, making it almost impossible to tell what's going on.

That approach worked in The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio for a more immersive experience, but the cinematographer in this movie clearly didn't have the same talent. During the carnage, you can only guess who or what is being bitten at any given moment. Additionally, the shots of wolves supposedly attacking are clearly just footage of wolves running through the forest with no aggression whatsoever. It all feels amateurish and inexperienced, which is surprising considering Adam MacDonald's previous films, Backcountry and Pyewacket. Both were solid, well-made movies, with Backcountry even being a similar survival thriller featuring a bear as the antagonist.

There are a few decent-looking makeup effects in the gore department, and the acting is overall solid, with Missy Peregrym standing out. However, this movie was barely enjoyable and left much to be desired. Annoyingly stupid characters and chaotic attack sequences sadly ruin what could have been a great survival thriller. [5,2/10]

A Thrilling Hunt for Survival

Adam MacDonald's "Out Come the Wolves" is a pulse-pounding survival thriller that expertly blends stunning visuals with intense suspense. The film follows a trio of friends on a hunting trip that takes a terrifying turn when they become trapped in a remote wilderness and hunted by a vicious pack of wolves.

The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to build tension and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. MacDonald's direction is masterful, utilizing the vast, unforgiving landscape to create a sense of isolation and dread. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and brutality of the wilderness with equal aplomb.

The performances are equally impressive. Missy Peregrym delivers a solid performance as Sophie, a skilled hunter who must confront her past and her fears in order to survive. Joris Jarsky and Damon Runyan also give solid performances as Sophie's friends, Kyle and Nolan.

While the plot may be somewhat predictable, "Out Come the Wolves" is a thrilling ride that never fails to entertain. The film's intense action sequences, combined with its exploration of themes of friendship, survival, and the power of nature, make it a must-see for fans of horror and thriller films.

Sophie (Missy Peregrym) joins her childhood friend Kyle (Joris Jarsky) for a hunting trip. There is real chemistry between them. He even reminds her that she once promised to marry him when they turn 40 if they have no one else. Of course, she brings her boyfriend Nolan (Damon Runyan) although he is a completely clueless hunter unlike the two longtime friends. They are put to the test when they are attacked by a pack of wolves.

This is a lower grade indie. It could have elevated the tension much more. Basically, it needs to isolate the trio by sending them into the woods. Maybe their vehicle breaks down in the middle of nowhere. They are tracked by the wolf pack. They definitely should not have guns. The wolves should do more night attacks. Everything should be done to make the trio into underdogs and heighten the intensity.

Missy Peregrym needs to stay out of the woods. Teaming up with the director of Back Country, she experiences another wilderness based fight for survival.

Introducing her new fiancee to her oldest best friend (who is male), the film starts with the two men preparing to go hunting as the fiancee is a writer and editor planning a story about the hunt and kill to provide meat as food. Here we gain a look at the discrepancies in personality of two people raised in wilderness and the hunting culture, and one raised in the city scape.

Now, for the problematic parts. The trio of characters come with some baggage that is unresolved. Jealousy makes for a poor plot contrivance. The director made a similar mistake is his film Back Country as well. And that's too bad as this interferes with what could have been a cleaner story.

Aside from that, this is a tight film with the second half a tense survival story.

Catching up with my 2024 horror films watch list brings me to this film. A typical premise of three people who go out to a cabin in the woods and then something nefarious happens. It's a girl, her fiancé, and her childhood friend (who is secretly in love with her) on a hunting trip that meets tragedy when they encounter a pack of wild wolves. It actually starts off real well as the time spent developing the relationship between the characters is well done (especially since the cast is better than expected). Sometime after the first wolf attack, the film falls flat pretty fast and never fully recovers. There are some great moments that will keep you entertained and engaged throughout but overall it's just a okay film. All the wolf footage looks amazing.