Review of The Wolfpack (2015) by Foxgrove — 23 Aug 2015
A sobering documentary about a family of seven children (6 boys and 1 girl) who are for the most part confined to their New York apartment by their father in order to protect them from the social horrors of the outside world.
The film concentrates almost entirely on the six boys who spend a lot of their time watching movies and then enacting them. Educated at home by their mother, who is also their rock and to whom each bears a great love, they are surprisingly well dressed, articulate and speak intelligently of their years of confinement.
As the story unfolds their dislike of their father, and the regime that he has inflicted upon them, becomes apparent. Each boy, although obviously internally damaged, demonstrates an optimistic attitude and promise for the future.
Their mother’s heart- breaking recollection of dreams never realised due to lack of funds, contributes to a very sad, but definitely not depressing tale. The father’s reason for his actions can be viewed as a paradox.
There is much truth in the fact that the outside world is a scary and dangerous place. However, the damage inflicted on the children as a result of their alternate sheltered and confined existence leaves its own scars.
Ultimately, despite the uncertainties evident in life, one has to be given the chance and freedom to find one’s own way. The film leaves you feeling optimistic that the boys’, against all the odds, will do just that.
This review of The Wolfpack (2015) was written by Foxgrove on 23 Aug 2015.
The Wolfpack has generally received positive reviews.
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