★★★★

Paul Dano's directorial debut is quite an impressive one. Wildlife follows a family that slowly falls into turmoil, largely seen through the eyes of 14-year old Joe (Ed Oxenbould). Dano's meticulous attention to detail pays off greatly, and Joe's complex parents are brought to life by moving performances from Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal. The framing works many of the shots like family portraits, and the once seemingly perfect nature of Joe's family slowly deteriorates. While it takes place in the past, it is a story that remains timeless, and reminds us that our parents are more than just our parents: they're people, too.