“Land of Wolves” follows four elite Navy SEALs who are captured and thrown into an underground death match when a covert rescue mission goes south.
There’s no time wasted in “Land of Wolves.” Prior to the title card appearing, the lead character is asked a simple question: are you in or out? Well, you find out very quickly that he’s indeed… in. Within additional minutes, the film is already moving into the central narrative. This is somewhat jarring by design because, like the characters within, the audience is forced to commit quickly as well.
The core premise — a mission gone wrong — isn’t inherently original, with movies like “Lone Survivor” or “Black Hawk Down” turning standard military operations into survival thrillers. Here, the objectives behind it are different. Those looking for a standard “war” story will likely be surprised, as this is anything but.
Almost immediately, it becomes clear that writer-director Tommy Jackson isn’t pulling punches. There’s bloodshed and unexpectedly graphic imagery; this violence is scattered throughout the entirety of the 91-minute runtime. Using a mixture of practical effects and CGI, the carnage looks largely realistic. There are slight irregularities that can at times break the illusion, like pink-tinted blood or obviously digital muzzle flashes. With the small budget, however, these issues are easy to forgive. With just how big “Land of Wolves” becomes in scope, it’s actually impressive how consistent the effects remain.
Cinematography-wise, Jackson employs a variety of styles. At times, entire scenes are blurry to emphasize the characters’ states. In others, there is blood splattered on the camera. He keeps a shallow focus on individuals in moments of tension while utilizing wide-angle shots during fight scenes. Color is also key to the film’s identity. It has a naturally warm tone, but vibrant red and green lighting is included to add extra liveliness to scenes.
One of the fundamental topics within the film is the pageantry of violence, leaving somewhat confusing messaging. “Land of Wolves” makes efforts to protest the constant barrage of graphic imagery portrayed in Hollywood productions. At the same time, it delivers exactly that. As it discourages the story’s antagonists from carrying out brutal displays, it encourages the audience itself to champion them.
“If there’s anything you Americans have in common, it’s that you’re all so hypocritical. You watch pain and violence on your televisions every day. You spend millions and millions of dollars making it in your Hollywood, just how the people like it, right? There isn’t a chance you miss to make violence more… theatric.”
Other themes inside the film are societal inequalities, moral ambiguities and the “elite.” In the later exploration of these ideas, “Land of Wolves” grows too smart for its own good. In pulling off unpredictable twists and turns, it succeeds. But viewers may be left wondering, at what cost? The latter half of the runtime contains clichés that weigh down components of the compelling introduction.
Starring are James William Clark (Marcus), Matthew Gray (Briggs), Justin Mobley (Wade), Joe Edward Metcalfe (Jace) and Felix Alexander (Butcher). “Land of Wolves” centers its focus on Clark’s character. Playing an individual suffering from PTSD, he balances both the loud and contained aspects of Marcus well. While each character remains mostly one-note, Gray, Mobley and Metcalfe bring the gritty and intense energy that the script asks for. Alexander proves to be the standout of the group, being almost playful in his dialogue to coincide with the character’s nefarious actions.
Shot over 16 days, Jackson wore many hats in the making of “Land of Wolves.” He not only served as writer and director, but also cinematographer, editor, gaffer, producer and financier. It’s a clear passion project by an independent filmmaker that features enough ambition to outweigh its flaws.
“Land of Wolves” doesn’t follow a generic war narrative. The film moves in bold directions that sometimes hinder its potential while also making it hard to forget.
Rating: 3 out of 5
