In the world of microbudget Canadian thrillers, director Adam MacDonald is no stranger to using the wilderness as a backdrop for suspense and terror. Known for his previous works, “Backcountry” and “Pyewacket,” MacDonald’s latest venture, “Out Come the Wolves,” delves once again into the dense Canadian forests for a story of survival and human conflict. Unfortunately, the film’s familiar premise and uneven execution make it feel more like a rehash than a fresh take on the genre.
Plot Overview
“Out Come the Wolves” follows Sophie (Missy Peregrym) and Nolan (Damon Runyon), a city couple who retreat to the wilderness for a weekend getaway. Nolan, a food writer, aims to connect with nature for an article on hunting. They invite Sophie’s old friend Kyle (Joris Jarsky), an avid hunter, to join them. Tensions quickly rise as Kyle’s lingering feelings for Sophie and his increasingly menacing behavior cast a shadow over the trip.
A Familiar Setup
The film’s narrative will seem familiar to fans of MacDonald’s previous work. Much like “Backcountry,” “Out Come the Wolves” features a city couple facing off against nature’s perils. Here, the threat comes not from a bear but from a pack of ravenous wolves. The early focus on character dynamics—particularly the fraught relationship between Kyle and the couple—sets up a potentially intriguing psychological drama.
The Transition to Survival Horror
As the story progresses, “Out Come the Wolves” shifts from a character-driven drama to a survival horror thriller. After a violent wolf attack, the characters’ quest to find Nolan leads them back into the wilderness, where they encounter the same ferocious predators. This transition feels abrupt and lacks the depth needed to sustain tension throughout the film’s final act.
Comparisons to Previous Works
For those who saw “Backcountry,” “Wolves” might feel like a reimagining. The similarities are striking, from the character dynamics to the man-versus-beast conflict. Even some cast members overlap, with Peregrym returning from her role in the earlier film. While the film effectively utilizes its budget, with strong gore effects and tense moments, the overall impact is diminished by its predictability and pacing issues.
Performances and Direction
The performances in “Out Come the Wolves” are solid but unremarkable. Peregrym and Runyon bring a genuine sense of urgency to their roles, while Jarsky’s portrayal of Kyle lacks the menace intended by the script. MacDonald’s direction shines in individual sequences, particularly those involving suspense and gore, but falters in maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the film’s short runtime.
A Missed Opportunity
The film’s first half hints at a deeper exploration of themes like wounded masculinity and interpersonal betrayal. However, these elements are overshadowed by the more straightforward survival horror plot. The result is a film that feels uneven, with its psychological tension giving way to more conventional genre thrills.
“Out Come the Wolves” offers some effective moments of tension and gore but ultimately fails to fully realize its potential. The film’s reliance on familiar tropes and its rushed transition from drama to horror leave it feeling somewhat uninspired. As MacDonald moves forward, exploring new settings and narratives might be the key to revitalizing his approach to the genre,