Wildcat, filmed and produced by Melissa Lesh and Trevor Beck Frost, is a maelstrom of emotions that will fill your heart; Wildcat is a movie you can’t wait to explore.
Wildcat, quick sheet
Young Harry Turner, suffering from depression and PTSD from his time as a British soldier in Afghanistan, wants to abandon his reality to bring serenity to his turbulent existence. That escape takes him deep into the Peruvian Amazon, where he reconnects with Samantha Zwicker, an American biologist, the daughter of an abusive alcoholic father, founder of Hoja Nueva (“New Leaf” a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and rescue), to assist injured and orphaned fauna. The film focuses mainly on the duo’s attempts to rehabilitate and “re-wild” orphaned ocelots, and their work appears to give Harry and Samantha’s lives new meaning just as Harry and Samantha become a romantic couple.
It’s reassuring that Harry is never truly alone in the jungle, even when Samantha is summoned back to the United States to finish her thesis. Frost and Lesh were present throughout, which is significant since Harry experiences some highly dark moments when he is “alone” with his wartime memories on the makeshift platform building he calls home.
The link Harry has with Keanu, whom Harry is hand-raising in the manner of a mother ocelot so that Keanu might rejoin the wild when he is old enough to care for himself, is what keeps Harry going. And Harry does act like Keanu’s mother, training the young cat to hunt and falling in tears the first time he spends the night alone in the forest. When the time comes to eject Keanu from the metaphorical nest, the fierce love required to do so release a vein of wrath within Harry that is terrible to witness.
It’s unclear if Harry’s profound interaction of mothering this animal, and the sentimental roller coaster that comes with it, is helping or hurting him. The chellows indicate that this is all for a good reason, and the project’s thesis demands Harry emerge from this experience altered.
But, after effectively utilizing a time at a wildlife rehabilitation center as severe PTSD therapy, he should be enrolled in some aftercare. So “Wildcat” instead focuses on a different bond: Harry’s strange and very emotional bond with a young ocelot called Keanu.
Why should you watch Wildcat?
Wildcat is a genuine work of art; an intimate, thoughtful film. There are many essential concepts to consider after viewing the movie, but the most powerful message is one of hope and courage.
Mental illness is a life-threatening disease, but with some hope and bravery, someone suffering from it may learn to live with it. There is also a message on the significance of conservation and volunteering to maintain and restore our vulnerable ecosystems. We need more natural fighters, and this film might be a rallying cry for individuals who care about conservation. The documentary is a story of healing and progress, frantically attempting to depict a deep interaction between- human and ocelot.
Parents should be informed that there is some adult language throughout, and some of the scenes depict exceedingly terrible moments for Harry. While it is recommended it for ages 12-18, adults will also absolutely love this film.
Wildcat currently holds a 8.7 IMDb rating
Runtime: 1h 46m
Wildcat released in theaters on Dec 21, 2022 and will be available on Prime Video on December 30th.