Wildlife Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A family moves to Montana, the dad gets mad about his job and runs off to fight a forest fire, leaving the mom to have a mid-life crisis while the son just tries to take pictures and figure out why everyone is acting weird.

🍿 Wildlife: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Brinson Family Arrives in Montana

In 1960s Montana, the Brinson family, consisting of Jerry, Jeanette, and their teenage son Joe, settle into a new town. Jerry loses his job at a golf course, disrupting their seemingly stable life. This unemployment becomes the catalyst for the unraveling of their family dynamics.

Jerry’s Decision to Fight Wildfires

Faced with unemployment and a bruised ego, Jerry makes a surprising decision to join a crew fighting wildfires. This choice leaves Jeanette feeling abandoned and uncertain about their future. Joe witnesses the growing tension between his parents as Jerry prepares to leave.

Jeanette’s Transformation and Affair

With Jerry away, Jeanette begins to explore her own identity and desires. She takes a job as a swimming instructor and becomes involved with Warren Miller, a local car dealer. Joe observes his mother’s increasingly erratic behavior and the growing distance between his parents.

Joe’s Perspective on His Parents’ Marriage

The story is primarily told through Joe’s eyes, offering a poignant perspective on the disintegration of his parents’ marriage. He struggles to understand their actions and the changing dynamics within his family. Joe’s innocence is gradually eroded as he witnesses the harsh realities of adult relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Brinson (Ed Oxenbould): A teenage boy who witnesses the unraveling of his parents’ marriage in 1960s Montana.
• Jerry Brinson (Jake Gyllenhaal): The father who loses his job and impulsively leaves to fight wildfires, exacerbating his family’s problems.
• Jeanette Brinson (Carey Mulligan): The mother who struggles with her identity and seeks fulfillment outside her marriage after her husband leaves.
• Warren Miller (Bill Camp): A car salesman who becomes romantically involved with Jeanette, further complicating the family dynamics.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jerry Brinson: “Well, ain’t this a wild life, son?” – Said to his son Joe, reflecting on their unpredictable and challenging circumstances after losing his job.
• Jeanette Brinson: “I feel like I need to wake up, but I don’t know what from, or what to.” – Jeanette expresses her dissatisfaction and desire for change to Joe, indicating her growing discontent with her life.
• Jeanette Brinson: “I wish I was dead. If you have a better plan for me, tell me. Maybe it’ll be better than this.” – In a moment of despair, Jeanette speaks to Joe, revealing her deep unhappiness and feeling trapped.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5 million
• Domestic Gross: $1,050,616
• Worldwide Gross: $3,321,367

💥 Wildlife Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into ‘Wildlife.’ It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. Carey Mulligan’s performance is incredible; she really captures the frustration and longing of her character. I especially remember the scene where she dances with her son – it’s both tender and deeply unsettling. The movie made me think about how much we don’t know about the lives of people around us. It’s a quiet film, but it packs a powerful emotional punch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about family dynamics and societal changes”
  • “Those who appreciate independent films with strong performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Adultery”
  • “Mature themes related to marital problems”
  • “Brief scenes of alcohol consumption”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Paul Dano delivers a remarkably assured directorial debut, capturing the slow burn of a marriage dissolving through the eyes of a bewildered teenage son. Mulligan and Gyllenhaal give raw and authentic performances.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A sensitive and affecting drama about the disintegration of a family, anchored by excellent performances from Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal. Dano’s direction is restrained and observant.
• IndieWire: “Paul Dano’s ‘Wildlife’ is a nuanced and heartbreaking portrait of a marriage in crisis. Carey Mulligan delivers a career-best performance as a woman grappling with her identity in 1960s Montana.

Audience Reactions

Carey Mulligan’s performance was outstanding and deeply moving.: The movie’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and the slow unraveling of a marriage.

The film’s setting and cinematography perfectly captured the 1960s Montana vibe.: Many viewers praised the movie’s attention to detail and its ability to transport them to another time and place.

Overall Consensus: Wildlife is a well-received drama praised for its strong performances, nuanced storytelling, and authentic depiction of a family in crisis. It may be slow-paced for some, but its emotional depth resonates with many viewers.

Awards

1. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Cinematography)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Dano secured the rights to Richard Ford’s novel with the understanding that he would have the freedom to adapt it as he saw fit, without strict adherence to the book’s narrative.”
• “The film is set in Montana in 1960, capturing the changing social dynamics and the struggles of a family during that era.”
• “Paul Dano co-wrote the screenplay with his partner, Zoe Kazan, bringing a collaborative and personal touch to the adaptation.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wildlife?

As of October 2024, ‘Wildlife’ is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and Fubo. It’s also available for rent or purchase on demand via Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wildlife, you might like these similar films:

• Revolutionary Road (2008): Explores the disillusionment within a 1950s marriage and the stifling nature of suburban life, similar to the Brinson’s struggles.
• The Ice Storm (1997): Captures the unraveling of families in the 1970s, dealing with themes of disillusionment, adultery, and the loss of innocence, reflecting the complex family dynamics in Wildlife.
• American Beauty (1999): Examines the facade of the American Dream and the hidden dissatisfaction within suburban families, mirroring the Brinson’s crumbling family dynamic.
• Boyhood (2014): Focuses on a child’s perspective of growing up amidst family changes, offering a poignant portrayal of adolescence and familial relationships like Joe’s journey in Wildlife.

🛒 Wildlife Related Products

• Wildlife (Blu-ray): Experience the stunning visuals and powerful performances of ‘Wildlife’ in high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes bonus content and behind-the-scenes features.
• Wildlife (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Digital]: Relive the emotional journey of ‘Wildlife’ with its evocative soundtrack. The digital download includes David Lang’s haunting score and the featured song ‘Sincerely’ by The Moonglows
• Richard Ford ‘Wildlife’ Novel: The Original novel. Understand the characters and story in deeper, more profound ways!
• 1960s Montana Vintage Travel Poster: Capture the essence of the film’s setting with a vintage-style travel poster of 1960s Montana. A beautiful piece of art that evokes the movie’s atmosphere.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Sincerely” – performed by The Moonglows
• “Wildlife Score” – performed by David Lang

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Quickie: Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Wildlife #TIFF18

Want a quick take on ‘Wildlife’? YMS gives you the lowdown in just 5 minutes! He touches on the film’s strengths and weaknesses – honestly, his perspective is super helpful before deciding to watch.

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