Druid Peak

Gorgeous cinematography and wildlife settings in wholesome coming of age story. Lovely settings and camera work. Seemingly balanced father figure showing patience in a casually paced setting and just delightful use of actual wildlife and maybe animal actors to help a troubled teen take a step toward maturing into a young man.

If you're looking for a decent, beautiful film with heart and hope, this is it. Filmed in beautiful Wyoming and Utah, the cinematic glory of the setting goes on and on. Now add a beautiful message from the grungy, silent, wise dad that we are all connected. Now add the hope of a sad and angry teenager finding meaning and goodness in the wilds where the wolves roam...

What more can you ask for?

I cried during this more than I've cried during a movie in a long time. And I cry a lot during movies. Honestly, even watching the trailer again just now I cried. This film is about a kid who's having a rough time and goes to live with his estranged father who monitors wolf packs in Wyoming, and then finds himself while learning about and tracking these wolves. Not only is this film totally beautiful to watch because of the landscape and wildlife, but it's also an intensely heartfelt and touching story. I think there's just something about seeing someone who is hurting so much and having such a hard time with life find something that fills their heart and brings them a sense of purpose. Spencer, the lead actor, was AMAZING and gave an absolutely masterful performance in this film. Watch out for him. I can't believe he's not being cast in every movie right now. If this doesn't get a theatrical release, I'm going to lose all faith in the film industry.

Druid Peak is what great indie films should aspire towards-a great and meaningful script, cinematography that is elegant, yet restrained and performances from Spencer Treat Clark and Andrew Wilson that are believable and powerful. First time writer-director Marni Zelnick has incredible talent in both categories, but the writing , which weaves a coming of age story against the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone, is impressive in the extreme. Clark's character makes a journey from a completely unlikable bully to a person of substance as he discovers that wild places, and the creatures that inhabit them, can have a healing effect on those who are open to them. The transformation is both believable and more than a little inspiring.

Rachel Morrison lenses this picture with the incredible talent for which she has become widely-recognized. Her mark is on every scene, sumptuous, yet incisive. Wyoming becomes one of the"characters" of the movie under her able hands.

The chemistry between the 2 laconic leads, Spencer Treat Clark and Andrew Wilson, evolves inexorably and each actor shines in the way their relationship develops as they deliver the terse and excellent dialogue.

While set against the timely background of the effect wolves and other apex predators have on the trophic cascade, this is much more than a conservation movie, despite its message. It shows how transformation can come in many forms, including the ability to discover the wild within us.

Had the opportunity to see Druid Peak at the Florida Film Festival in April of 2014. It was the surprise hit of the festival, and won the Audience Award for Best Feature. Not often do you get a film with a conservation & environmental angle that skillfully and successfully implements an equally worthwhile human angle - Druid Peak did just that.

A must see. Writer and Director Marni Zelnick is truly talented and the cast is anchored by Spencer Treat Clark. Andrew Wilson, the more attractive of the Wilson brothers delivers a fantastic performance.

Can't wait for this film to gain distribution and reach the masses, it deserves it.