Watch The Trouble With Wolves

The Trouble with Wolves is a riveting drama from 2018 that delves into the controversial issue of wolf reintroduction into the American ecosystem. The film follows the story of a young couple, Abby and Andrew, who have relocated to an isolated cabin in the wilderness to research the impact of wolves on the ecosystem. What starts as a simple research project soon turns into a dangerous encounter with the wolves, and diverging opinions about wolf reintroduction from different stakeholders makes their experience even more complicated.

Abby Nelson stars as the lead protagonist, a biology graduate who has been fascinated by the wolves since childhood. She hopes to study the predator-prey relationships between wolves and other animals in the ecosystem. Andrew Anderson plays her husband, an environmental scientist, who supports her research but finds himself overwhelmed by the dangers of the wolf-infested wilderness.

As they embark on their research, they get to observe a wolf pack from a distance, and Abby gets increasingly fascinated by their behavior. However, when one of the members of the pack is shot, she becomes her life’s mission to protect the wolf population. Her activism puts a wedge in her marriage as Andrew does not share the same sentiment towards the wolves. He believes that the wolves pose a threat to their safety and fears for their lives.

Their situation is further complicated by a group of enthusiastic animal rights activists, including Douglas Smith and Hilary Zaranek, who get involved in their research. The activists, loyal to the wolves' cause, seem to be willing to go to any length, even putting the couple in grave danger, to defend what they believe is right. The couple is forced to navigate the dangerous wilderness, different interest groups and personal conflicts to find a solution to their problems.

Malou Anderson-Ramirez features as the wolf biologist, who has a different opinion about wolf reintroduction, and her expertise comes in handy throughout the movie. She helps the couple navigate the complex web of stakeholders in the ecosystem, including hunters, ranchers, and local townspeople who are vehemently opposed to the reintroduction of wolves.

The Trouble with Wolves expertly deals with the complex issue of wolf reintroduction, which has been a controversial topic in the United States for decades. The film explores the environmental and scientific effects of reintroducing wolves, as well as the social, political, and economic impacts on people who live in the area. The movie does not take sides on the issue, rather it portrays both perspectives, pro and anti-wolf reintroduction, to give the viewer a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

The director, Collin Joseph Neal, does an excellent job of portraying the beauty and danger of the wilderness, with breathtaking scenery and action-packed scenes that encompass the viewer. The film’s pacing is perfect, as the tension against the background of wolf encounter builds steadily throughout, culminating in a satisfying and thought-provoking finale.

In conclusion, The Trouble with Wolves is an engaging and thought-provoking film that tackles a much-debated subject that is far too often sensationalized in today's culture. The cast is outstanding and brings to life the complex and often-divergent dialogues surrounding the topic of wolf reintroduction. The visuals, combined with the movie's perfect pacing, make it an essential watch for anyone who loves the wilderness or who is passionate about conservation and environmental issues.

The Trouble With Wolves is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.