Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Art house drama has mental and physical abuse, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wolf
What's the Story?
In WOLF, Jacob (George MacKay) is sent to a psychological facility because he believes he is a wolf. There he meets young people with similar disorders -- who identify as birds, animals, and insects -- and strikes up a relationship with Wildcat (Lily-Rose Depp), who believes herself to be just that. As Jacob witnesses the struggles of his fellow patients and the abusive practices of the officials, he begins to question whether being "cured" is really the answer.
Is It Any Good?
Writer and director Nathalie Biancheri's sophomore film is certainly ambitious, but doesn't quite make the impact its complex themes and artsy cinematography seem to promise. At the center of Wolf, and what holds it together, is a performance from MacKay that is both restrained and fully committed -- supported by a similarly impressive turn from Depp. They bring much-needed nuance to a narrative that is often clunky and over-simplistic, which feels at odds with the movie's off-kilter style. Paddy Considine's aggressive Zookeeper is lacking in substance, veering into two-dimensional stereotype. In addition, the portrayal of the psychological methods used in the facility feels overly familiar and very one-note -- though it certainly gets the job done in terms of them appearing inhumane.
There are moments of great visual flair. These include dimly-lit scenes that illuminate the animalistic nature of the lean and muscular Jacob, as well as some quirky shots, which tightly frame Depp's face -- that is adorned with whiskers -- accentuating her naturally feline-like features. All of which adds to the shame that the whole thing doesn't quite feel cohesive, throwing out some potentially interesting themes, but never really leaning into them, and offering a strong aesthetic and intriguing tone that is never fully realized.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of species dysphoria as portrayed in Wolf. Had you heard of the disorder before? Was it a realistic portrayal? How does it relate to other disorders that might be better known? Can you think of other situations it might be a metaphor for?
Talk about the film's violence. Did you find any scenes particularly distressing? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss how the movie portrayed sex and nudity. Was it affectionate/tasteful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss how human and animal nature are explored in the film. What are the main differences between humans and animals? What are the similarities?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 3, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : February 15, 2022
- Cast : George MacKay , Lily-Rose Depp , Paddy Considine
- Director : Nathalie Biancheri
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some abusive behavior, sexuality, nudity and language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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