matstaal

A young woman in her early twenties lives a mundane, lethargic live. While she works as an IT consultant at a small company, her boss and co-workers treat her as a secretary. Her boss calls her his favorite employee, because 'she never complains'. When she encounters a wild wolf in a small park, she feels alive for the first time. She becomes obsessed with the wolf, and settles on trying to catch it to bring it home, finding satisfaction in the thrill of the hunt and connecting with her animalistic side for the first time in her life.

The film delivers as a modern, realistic twist on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Rather than getting lost on the way to grandma's and being hunted by a wolf, Ania purposely brings home the wolf to her grandfather's house. But this film isn't a fairy tale; It's a gritty, visceral and realistic portrayal of an animal in the big city. Through the wolf Ania connects to her instincts - her wild side - and we witness her path of depravity. While she befriends the wolf, it's always a wild animal and a threat to Ania and the people around her.

I saw the film at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, where it was a nominee for the big screen award. I hope it makes it to the theaters, as the audience responded with both shock and delight to the imagery and events. We saw the uncensored version which isn't for the faint of heart, as the film contains graphic sex scenes and violence towards animals.

The screenplay is grounded in reality and uncompromising, while the acting of both the lead actress and the animal(s) is impressive. If you have an opportunity to see this film and you find inspiration in the depraved side of human instinct or the role nature has in modern society, go see Wild.