The Call of the Wild Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pampered dog gets dog-napped to Alaska, becomes a mailman’s best friend, hangs out with Harrison Ford, and then becomes a wolf dad.

🍿 The Call of the Wild: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Buck’s Early Life and Kidnapping

Buck, a large St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix, lives a pampered life with Judge Miller in California. His carefree existence is disrupted when he’s kidnapped and shipped to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. This sets the stage for his transformation and adventure in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Buck’s journey begins with a sudden and traumatic shift from luxury to survival.

Life as a Sled Dog

Buck is sold to Perrault and Francoise, mail carriers who use a dog sled team. He learns to pull a sled and faces challenges such as harsh weather and the rivalry of Spitz, the lead dog. Buck’s strength and loyalty earn him respect, and he eventually becomes the lead dog himself. He experiences both hardship and camaraderie within the dog team.

Thornton and the Wilderness

After the mail route is replaced by the telegraph, Buck is sold to Hal, a cruel and inexperienced man. Thornton rescues Buck from Hal’s mistreatment, and the two form a strong bond. They venture into the wilderness, where they live off the land and find solace in nature. This section marks Buck’s transition from a working dog to a companion and partner.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Buck (N/A): A St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix who transforms from a pampered house dog to a wild pack leader in the Yukon.
• John Thornton (Harrison Ford): A grieving recluse seeking solace in the Yukon wilderness who forms a bond with Buck.
• Hal (Dan Stevens): A cruel and greedy man who mistreats Buck and becomes the story’s antagonist.
• Perrault (Omar Sy): A kind-hearted mail carrier who initially owns Buck and recognizes his potential.
• Francoise (Cara Gee): Perrault’s assistant and partner in the mail delivery service, who earns Buck’s loyalty.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Thornton: “Some say that’s the legend. Not so. You see, I knew him once, when he was just a dog at a men side. And even all this land is his, every summer, when he comes down to the valley, he remembers kind hands and old masters… before he went to his own… became his own master… before he heard the call.” – Thornton narrates the film, reflecting on his experience with Buck and the dog’s transformation into a legend of the wild.
• John Thornton: “It’s okay, boy. You’re home.” – Said by Thornton to Buck in his final moments, solidifying their bond and acceptance.
• John Thornton: “I needed a purpose. Didn’t know I’d find it in a dog.” – Thornton acknowledges how Buck has given his life new meaning and direction.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $135,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $62,342,368
• Worldwide Gross: $111,166,669

💥 The Call of the Wild Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting to roll my eyes at a CGI dog, but I ended up being surprisingly moved. Sure, Buck looks a little cartoony at times, but his expressions are so endearing. I especially loved the scenes where he was learning to pull the sled, his determination was infectious. Ford’s performance as Thornton gave the movie a much-needed emotional anchor. The film’s overall a feel-good adventure that left me smiling. It’s not a perfect adaptation, but it’s a great watch for dog lovers.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of adventure stories”
  • “Dog lovers”
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming film”
  • “Harrison Ford fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Animal cruelty (mild)”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Death of a character”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Harrison Ford brings a grizzled charm, the reliance on CGI for Buck detracts from the emotional connection. The film softens the harsh realities of Jack London’s novel, aiming for family-friendly appeal, but loses some of its grit in the process. Still, the stunning visuals of the Yukon and the heartwarming bond between man and dog offer moments of genuine sentiment.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The Call of the Wild is visually impressive, but the over-reliance on CGI for Buck creates an uncanny valley effect. The story, though familiar, is ultimately uplifting. Harrison Ford’s performance adds gravitas, but the film struggles to capture the raw, primal essence of the original novel, settling for a more sanitized adventure.
• Empire: “A beautifully shot adventure with a strong central performance from Ford, but let down by its reliance on slightly unconvincing CGI. Whilst it has some exciting action sequences, it lacks the darker edge of the book and feels a little too safe for its own good.

Audience Reactions

The visual effects are amazing, especially the landscapes.: Many viewers praised the beautiful cinematography and scenery.

I loved the bond between Buck and John Thornton.: The strong relationship between the dog and Harrison Ford’s character was a highlight.

Overall Consensus: Visually stunning but with a somewhat divisive CGI dog, The Call of the Wild is a family-friendly adventure with a heartwarming story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film uses extensive CGI for the animals, particularly Buck, to allow for more expressive performances and to avoid the use of real animals in dangerous situations.”
• “Harrison Ford’s casting as John Thornton was seen as a perfect fit due to his own love of animals and his history of playing rugged, independent characters.”
• “The filmmakers aimed to capture the epic scope and natural beauty of the Yukon Territory, using a combination of practical sets and digital environments to create the film’s stunning visuals.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Call of the Wild?

The Call of the Wild (2020) is available to stream on Disney+ and rentable or purchasable on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Call of the Wild, you might like these similar films:

• White Fang (1991): Another Jack London adaptation about a wild animal’s journey to find its place in the world, featuring similar themes of survival and companionship.
• Togo (2019): A true story about a sled dog and its owner’s courageous journey through treacherous Alaskan terrain, highlighting the bond between humans and animals.
• The Revenant (2015): Focuses on survival in the harsh wilderness. Similar visual style and themes of man against nature.
• Jeremiah Johnson (1972): A man seeks solace in the mountains and struggles to survive, similar to Thornton’s journey.

🛒 The Call of the Wild Related Products

• The Call of the Wild (Jack London): The classic novel that inspired the movie, explore the original story and vivid language of Jack London.
• The Call of the Wild (Blu-ray + Digital): Own a digital copy to enjoy it anytime, anywhere. Includes bonus features about the making of the film and the CGI.
• Call of the Wild Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring Harrison Ford and Buck, suitable for framing and displaying your love for the film.
• Stuffed Buck Dog Plush Toy: A cute and cuddly plush toy of Buck, perfect for kids and fans of all ages. High-quality materials and design.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Call of the Wild features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Call of the Wild” – performed by John Powell
• “Skagway” – performed by John Powell
• “A Letter From the Past” – performed by John Powell
• “Joined Up” – performed by John Powell
• “Perrault’s Farewell” – performed by John Powell
• “Into the Thawing” – performed by John Powell
• “What About the Gold?” – performed by John Powell
• “The Journey” – performed by John Powell
• “The New Pack Leader” – performed by John Powell
• “King Buck” – performed by John Powell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This Abandoned Dog Became The Head Of A Wolf Pack #shorts #viral

Want the whole story of ‘The Call of the Wild’ but don’t have time to watch the full movie? This short recap nails Buck’s epic journey from house pet to wolf pack leader. Seriously impressive!

Dog jumps into freezing river to save owner, but gets swept away by the current himself.2#shorts

Oh my goodness, this clip from ‘The Call of the Wild’ is INTENSE! Buck’s loyalty is seriously tested when he risks everything to save his owner. Grab some tissues, you might need them!

“A pack can have only one leader” The Call of the Wild #shorts #edit

Ever wonder about Buck’s leadership qualities? This fan edit is set to music and perfectly captures his transformation into a leader of wolves. The music choice makes it even more powerful; definitely worth a watch.

Abandoned Dog Becomes The Leader Of Wolf Pack, Avenging On People Who Harm Him

Looking for a longer recap with a comprehensive breakdown of the plot? This video covers all the important story beats and character development of Buck. It’s a great way to refresh your memory of the movie!

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