Paul Dano has been one of our most interesting actors for a while now.
And its through those helpless, questioning eyes that we see the story unfold.
He doesnt seem to take anything very seriously at all.
Credit: IFC Films
The only difference is that Jerry yearns for more than the stability of settled-down family life.
For her part, Jeanette is just as dissatisfied.
Shes a woman on the verge of something the times havent quite invented yet.
Both actors are great, making the complexities of their respective soul-searching look deceptively natural.
But its Mulligan who really sticks with you.
Her performance shouldnt be underestimated or overlooked.
Wildlifeis short on incident, but it runs deep with existential yearning.
Dano has created a quiet film that slowly reveals its power and complexity like, well, a novel.
It may be a small film, but its power is massive.
Especially its very last shot, which is so devastating it has the force of a sucker punch.B+
