Wild Wolverine
By Davis Cook,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fact-packed nature docu shows wolverine violence, gore.
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Wild Wolverine
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What's the Story?
In structure, the half-hour long WILD WOLVERINE is a straightforward nature documentary about the titular predator: the small but fierce wolverine of the cold forests and tundra. Bringing together a wide array of species and landscapes -- moose, bears, deer, snowy plains, forests, and more -- the documentary constructs a comprehensive picture of a vibrant but ice-cold world in which the wolverine's presence looms large. Although much of the documentary is taken up by a listlike procession of facts about wolverines, there's a five to ten minute section about the trials of a bear family being targeted by a wolverine that gains a more storylike structure.
Is It Any Good?
Wild Wolverine adheres well to both its title and its existence as a Curiositystream nature documentary. It provides a wealth of narrated educatioal information and well-shot audiovisual footage about the small but fierce wolverines of the northern tundras and forests. The footage is extensive, covering not only wolverines but also an array of moose, bears, deer, and foxes who also play large roles in the life and daily habits of a wolverine.
Because the footage is all shot in one unnamed area of frozen forest, it doesn't pack quite as much emotional power as other Curiositystream nature documentaries. In addition, there are some strange technical aspects such as an unexplained foray into the life of a family of bears and music that doesn't fit the emotional undercurrent of whatever's happening on screen (e.g. a wolverine dragging around a dead bird is scored with an oddly mysterious chime). These bizarre technical elements, in addition to the common idea that nature documentaries might be boring for viewers who aren't already interested in biology/ecology, make Wild Wolverine into a watch that is worthwhile for its subject matter but also somewhat forgettable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how these wolverines can look so different from humans yet still worry about some of the same problems (getting enough food, conserving energy, etc.). What are some things that you do throughout the day that these other animals do as well?
Why are there so many nature documentaries like this one? What do we gain by making and watching nature documentaries?
How is watching nature documentaries about wolverines better and/or worse in your opinion than going to the zoo to observe them in real time?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 16, 2020
- Studio: Doclights
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Science and Nature , Wild Animals
- Run time: 30 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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