The Wolf’s Call review: Prepare to gnaw your fingernails in this French language action-thriller set at sea.
Altitude Film Entertainment
Set in the near future, The Wolf’s Call follows Chanteraide (François Civil), a young naval AWA (Acoustic Warfare Analyst) whom finds himself in the midst of a troubling mystery and on the brink of nuclear war. The story opens aboard a naval submarine where we join Chanteraide and his comrades on a mission in foreign seas. After an unexpected vessel appears in close proximity to the submarine, the mission is almost compromised. Seeking to right his wrong, Chanteraide begins to investigate the mysterious vessel’s origins and uncovers a very sinister threat.
The Wolf’s Call hooks the viewer from the start. It’s much like the opening moments of The Hurt Locker; The Wolf’s Call pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let up. The opening twenty minutes or so aboard the first submarine are so strong, and despite having only just met the crew, you instantly feel bonded to them. There’s a palpable tension in the air and without realising it you’re already on the edge of your seat. Director Antonin Baudry expertly squeezes every drop of suspense from the sequence, and gets the blood pumping.
Once the first mission is over, and we’re back on dry land, the film shifts to a much welcomed gentler pace. Here, as well as seeing Chanteraide begin to delve into the mystery surrounding events aboard the sub, we also get the introduction of love interest Diane (Paula Beer). The pair’s relationship adds a veil of sweetness and sensuality to a film that would otherwise be drenched in the harsh and masculine. The chemistry between Civil and Beer works perfectly and, although their relationship is kept on the sidelines, the film is enriched by its inclusion.
Before long though we’re back at sea and its here that things get really interesting. Chanteraide finds himself, alongside others, trying desperately to prevent a nuclear Armageddon. Baudry handles this differently to some of his US counterparts. Rather than throw a load of needless explosions and extended action sequences at the screen, he instead dials things back, again creating an unbearable tense atmosphere. That’s not to say that there isn’t the odd explosive, there is, but by being fugal with them he gives the story and situation time to shine.
In addition to being a compelling thriller, The Wolf’s Call also casts a light on the fascinating job of an AWA. It’s their job to listen to the ocean around them and decipher what the noises they hear belong to. They have to determine between man, machine, or nature, guided only by their ears. It’s a truly exceptional ability to posses, and Civil does a great job at showcasing the pros and cons of the role. Civil also injects an easy charm to the character and manages to make Chanteraide almost as charismatic as one Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell.
Easily the best submarine movie since Crimson Tide, The Wolf’s Call is a strong action-thriller that will keep you riveted.
The Wolf’s Call is released in cinemas on Friday 6th December. It arrives on DVD and Digital HD from Monday 30th December.
