Daughter of the Wolf (2019) – A Gritty Survival Thriller

Daughter of the Wolf (2019), directed by David Hackl, is a tense, action-packed thriller that revolves around a former military officer, Clair Hamilton (Gina Carano), who is forced to use her combat skills in a fight for survival after her son is kidnapped. Set in the remote wilderness, the film follows Clair as she embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her son, with little more than her wits, instincts, and military training to rely on.

The story begins when Clair, a skilled soldier who has tried to leave her violent past behind, is thrust back into a dangerous situation when her son is abducted by a group of criminals. The kidnappers, led by a ruthless man named Kovacs (played by Richard Dreyfuss), are after a significant amount of money that Clair’s late husband owed. As Clair sets out to retrieve her son, the film focuses on her ability to outsmart the kidnappers in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the northern wilderness.

Gina Carano’s performance as Clair is one of the film’s strongest points. Her portrayal of a strong, determined, and resourceful mother makes her an engaging lead character, and her physicality adds authenticity to the action scenes. While Carano has been praised for her combat skills, the film also gives her room to showcase her emotional range as she grapples with the dangerous situation her family is in.

The plot is driven by constant tension, as Clair uses her military training to navigate the treacherous landscape, engage in intense combat with the kidnappers, and attempt to outwit them at every turn. The film is filled with suspenseful moments, and the wilderness itself becomes a character, emphasizing the isolation and danger of the environment.

While Daughter of the Wolf isn’t a groundbreaking thriller, it does deliver solid action and suspense. The themes of maternal love, resilience, and survival add an emotional depth to the story, making it more than just an action film. The pacing is steady, and while the narrative may feel somewhat predictable at times, the gripping action and Carano’s performance keep the audience engaged.

4.5 stars – Daughter of the Wolf is an entertaining survival thriller with a strong central performance from Gina Carano. The film delivers intense action, emotional stakes, and an engaging storyline that will appeal to fans of gritty thrillers. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it provides a solid, suspenseful watch for those looking for a high-stakes survival story.