Still from 2019 war thriller Wolf’s Call (Image: -)
A “masterpiece” war film about the horrors of nuclear escalation is hailed by one fan as “eerily realistic”. The Wolf’s Call (Le Chant du loup in French) is a 2019 thriller focussing on Chanteraide (played by François Civil), a sonar operator on French navy submarine The Titan, serving as the vessel’s specialist in underwater acoustics. Chanteraide is known by his nickname “Socks”, and known for his “golden ear” for the subtle signs of an enemy presence.
At one point, despite his remarkable skills, he proves unable to work out what is producing a mysterious sound from the depths and disaster almost befalls them. Determined to make amends, his skills later become key in breathless race to avert the catastophe of a nuclear exchange.
Critics praised the claustrophobic depictions of life on the sub. (Image: -)
François Civil as Chanteraide (C) (Image: -)
It was written and directed by Antonin Baudry, in his directorial debut. He took inspiration for the film’s political storylines from his time as a high-ranking French diplomat.
One Audience Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said the film is: “Suspenseful and eerily realistic in a way that most war flicks aren’t.
“Great actors, solid plot, this movie got me hanging on the edge of my seat for the majority of those 2h,” they continues, adding:” It’s a fresh take on a classic.”
A second said it was a “thoroughly engaging and thrilling war drama with more than the obvious submarine-shaped links to the likes of Crimson Tide and U-571. The focus on the AWA really helps to sharpen the suspense, as well as acting as a good hook into the story.”
A third wrote: “This is a fantastic old-school war thriller that evokes the golden age of submarine films.”
Reviews were generally positive, though some questioned the credibility of some scenes. (Image: -)
Meanwhile, another said that except for “unnecessarily making the lead character a Tom Cruise style ‘cocky young guy with a new girlfriend,’ the plot is pure submariner stuff for the viewers that like edge of your seat military drama”.
Jordan Mintzer, a critic for The Hollywood Reporter wrote that it was an “altogether gripping experience… placing a young man with exceptional hearing powers at the heart of an apocalyptic scenario that only he can resolve”.
However, others suggested that the narrative was a bit over the top, with Philip De Semlyen writing for TimeOut reflecting: “The plot, which heads off in some improbable directions, recalls ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ in a way you suspect it’s not supposed to.”
Others felt it got the terror of the nightmare scenario bang on. A fan on IMDb even descibed it as a “masterpiece” in which the “tension keeps building and building”.
“Almost like a good football match shortly before penalty shootout,” they added. “Well acted especially by Mathieu Kassovitz (says it all with his eyes alone), Francois Civil and an amazing Omar Sy.”
The film has a 15 certificate and contains drug misuse, strong sex, and violence – so viewer discretion is advised.
The Wolf’s Call is available to buy on YouTube, or rent and buy on Sky Store.