To Kill a Wolf has been in several film festivals since August of last year, starting in the UK, then the US, and now arriving at the 2024 Austin Film Festival. It is a terrific film with a great story and performances that is perfect for the “writer’s festival” as it is known. Written and directed by Kelsey Taylor, who has written several short films, To Kill a Wolf appears to be her first feature film. I went into the film anticipating one thing, but it is pretty dramatic as the two lead characters reveal their backstories. Slowly. This film review aims not to have spoilers.
Synopsis: On the fringes of the Oregon wilderness, two strangers with troubled pasts are brought together when a reclusive forester discovers a teenager, Dani, hypothermic and barely conscious in the woods. After saving Dani from the elements, The Woodsman begrudgingly agrees to return the teen to her grandmother, and the two become unlikely travel companions. As they make their way across the state, they forge an unexpected bond, delving into their past and testing their willingness to trust one another. Ultimately, with each other’s help, they face the demons that haunt them and discover a new way to start their lives.
Maddison Brown (“Dynasty” TV series) stars as Dani, the teenager who is seen alone in the winter elements. The Woodsman (Ivan Martin, Boston Strangler, 2023) lives in a remote home in the rural part of the community. When he checks the property for traps, etc., he finds Dani passed out. He takes her to his home to treat the hypothermia. Yes, they are two total strangers, but Dani does not act as if the man is a threat. She settles into the food and his way of life when she feels better, but he has no intention of having her stay. He needs to return her to her world, but the audience gradually learns why she avoids a return.
The script is well done, giving the characters time to establish trust, but The Woodsman has the age and experience to know there is more to Dani’s story than what she states. The trip to her grandmother’s home, hours away from where The Woodsman resides, yields some truth that The Woodsman expects Dani to admit to. With only partial information, The Woodsman decides to seek help from Detective Coyne (Dana Millican) to help get her to other relatives. It does not take long for the truth to surface.
Without expanding to provide any spoilers as the film arrives at this point, the performances are outstanding as both Dani and the Woodsman face their reality. A couple of scenes may be hard to watch despite not being graphic, but Dani’s experience is all too often that of others in various situations. It is good that the filmmaker has written about this topic, which is not addressed as often as it should be.
The cast also includes Michael Esper, Kaitlin Doubleday, David Knell, Jessica Catalano, and Julie Elizabeth Knell, who excel in their roles and make this an excellent drama. Run Time: 92 Minutes
The next screening, according to the film website, is at Film Fest Knox on November 16th. To find an update on screenings and future release dates, visit tokillawolf.com
Source: AFF, website, IMDb