Entertainment Blog #176 | The Wolf's Call [2019] - Submarine Warfare...
"The Wolf's Call," Antonin Baudry's directorial debut, was released in 2019 and offers an intense exploration of naval warfare. The film, led by a stellar cast that included François Civil, premiered theatrically in France by Pathé in February 2019 before gaining international distribution on Netflix in select regions later that year. Baudry's background as a former high-ranking French diplomat is likely to have influenced the film's political aspects and depiction of France's assertive military role in a global context, distinguishing it from typical Hollywood action narratives.
"The Wolf's Call" follows Captain Grandchamp and Executive Officer D'Orsi on their tense journey aboard the French submarine Titan. The Titan encounters an unidentified sonar contact while on a mission to retrieve a Special Forces unit near Tartus, Syria, which escalates into a potentially catastrophic situation. The contact is initially dismissed as a wounded whale by Chanteraide, the ship's sonar expert, but he soon realizes it's a Russian submarine signaling an Iranian frigate, sparking a standoff. The Titan returns after evading a helicopter attack, only to face a looming nuclear threat set up by Russia, setting off a tense chain of events.
As international tensions rise, Chanteraide explores deeper into the sonar mystery, exposing critical intelligence that the supposedly decommissioned Russian submarine Timour III has been reactivated. The Titan's command changes hands amid the chaos as the Powerful is launched to counter Russian aggression. However, the situation worsens when the French President orders a nuclear response, triggering a desperate race against time to avert a nuclear war.
Chanteraide uncovers the truth behind the nuclear threat in the tense climax, with the fate of nations hanging in the balance. A thrilling battle between the Titan and the Formidable ensues, in which alliances are tested, sacrifices are made, and a daring attempt is made to avoid an irreversible catastrophe, leading to a challenging showdown with staggering consequences.
"The Wolf's Call" is an engrossing experience that meticulously depicts submarine warfare and the complexities of high-stakes military decisions. The film keeps audiences on the edge with compelling performances from the cast and an apparent feeling of urgency throughout, presenting an engaging story that navigates between intense action and strategic depth.
The film has received critical acclaim for its thrilling and immersive depiction of maritime conflict, showcasing a muscular and courageous France within a politically charged global landscape. Critics praise the film's ability to deliver tense action while juggling a complicated plot across multiple settings without becoming complicated or losing its audience.
"The Wolf's Call" is a gripping and well-executed military thriller that offers a tense and engaging narrative that goes beyond typical Hollywood action fare. Baudry's directorial debut shines with a compelling storyline, brilliant performances, and a balanced illustration of strategic military maneuvers amid geopolitical tensions, making it a must-see for fans of intense naval dramas.