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Poster for Wildlife

Wildlife

Seen it?

2018 | 105 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

14-year-old Joe is the only child of Jeanette and Jerry — a housewife and a golf pro — in a small town in 1960s Montana. Nearby, an uncontrolled forest fire rages close to the Canadian border, and when Jerry loses his job (and his sense of purpose) he decides to join the cause of fighting the fire, leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    Nominated for 1 Cannes award and 3 Independent Spirit Awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 150K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Paul Dano

  • Jake GyllenhaalJerry Brinson
  • Carey MulliganJeanette Brinson
  • Ed OxenbouldJoe Brinson
  • Zoe CollettiRuth-Ann
  • Bill CampWarren Miller
  • Travis W BruyerForester
  • Tom Huston OrrMr. Cartwright
  • Darryl CoxClarence Snow
  • Ginger GilmartinReceptionist
  • Michael GibbonsCoach