Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring, uplifting coming-of-age story has iffy behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The True Adventures of Wolfboy
What's the Story?
In THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY, shy, self-conscious 13-year-old Paul (Jaeden Martell) has a condition called congenital hypertrichosis that causes hair to grow thickly all over his face and body. His well-meaning father, Denny (Chris Messina), tries to take Paul to a carnival for his birthday, but the day ends up going badly. The boy decides to run away from home to find his mother, using a map that has mysteriously arrived in the mail. His first stop is the carnival, where Mr. Silk (John Turturro) offers him employment -- as a sideshow freak -- but things don't exactly go as planned, and Paul must escape. Next he meets Aristiana (Sophie Giannamore), who's about his age; they hit it off, and she decides to run away, too. They catch a ride with Rose (Eve Hewson), who stops to throw Paul a proper birthday party. But even as they near their destination, a vengeful Mr. Silk is hot on Paul's trail.
Is It Any Good?
Crafted as a kind of fable or fairy tale, this coming-of-age story inspires empathy for its hero as effortlessly as Mask or Wonder did, but with more gleeful irreverence and irresistible pluck. The True Adventures of Wolfboy may not actually be "true," but it's rooted in all-too recognizable emotions and acts: i.e. Paul's pain and self-consciousness, his father's heartfelt but misplaced attempts to help, and the hateful attacks of bullies. From there, it breaks itself into chapters headed with titles about dragons, devils, mermaids, a pirate queen, and more, accompanied by amazing illustrations. The road trip itself is a wild whirlwind of storytelling.
The True Adventures of Wolfboy has a "tall tale" vibe, not unlike Big Fish or Forrest Gump, but with unwise choices. In his short time on the road, Paul becomes involved in arson, armed robbery, and underage drinking, among other things. But as a moving story about finding your people, it's all forgivable. Director Martin Krejci may not have the visual palette of a filmmaker like Tim Burton, but he makes up for it with his impeccable casting, costumes, and makeup effects. In the lead, rising star Martell -- of Midnight Special, It, and Knives Out -- gives a gloriously vulnerable performance. Paul isn't just withdrawn; sometimes he lashes out to protect himself. His joy at finding friends is like a tonic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The True Adventures of Wolfboy's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it shocking? Thrilling? Did it seem like too much for the story? Why, or why not?
How is the LGBTQ+ character, Aristiana, represented? How does her mother define her? How does she define herself?
Is teen drinking glamorized? Are there consequences for characters who drink/drink too much? Why does that matter?
Why do many people identify with stories about outsiders, i.e. those who don't "fit in"? What does it mean to fit in? Why does it bother some people to feel like they don't?
How are bullies handled in the story? Are there consequences for bullying?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 30, 2020
- Cast : Jaeden Martell , Chris Messina , Sophie Giannamore
- Director : Martin Krejci
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature thematic content, drinking, some strong language, sexual references and violence - all involving teens
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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