Review of Wildlife (2018) by Deanomite — 31 Dec 2019

A well photographed movie that looks good is always a treat. A well written movie with some psychology and solid acting also helps. Carey Mulligan (Drive was her best, Inside Llewyn Davis) trying to redefine herself after realizing she has outgrown being the wife of a guy who doesn't really identify as her husband anymore is excellent.

I am ambivalent on Jake Gyllenhal-he was brilliant in Nightcrawler, Enemy, Jarhead, but usually he just seems like a douchebag. She tries on different personas like she is changing outfits, seeing if she is a marketable commodity or an instructor or an admirer or what not, it's all very well done.

This is the first movie I know of written by a couple, and definitely benefits from the perspective of the super charming Zoe Kazan (Buster Scruggs and The Big Sick-Sooooo charming) and her brilliant boyfriend Paul Dano (Escape at Dannemora, There will be Blood and Looper are his best roles).

Based on those works I would say she is the stronger writer and he is a better actor but not by much, she acts very memorably. They will be working together again next year as The Riddler and Catwoman, and if this movie is any indication, it will be excellent to see them again.

The third act lags when Jake Gyllenhall returns but until then its amazing.