Paul Dano’s directorial debut, Wildlife, is a masterfully restrained and deeply affecting drama about the slow unraveling of a family. Adapted from Richard Ford’s novel, the film follows 14-year-old Joe (Ed Oxenbould) as he watches his parents, Jeanette (Carey Mulligan) and Jerry (Jake Gyllenhaal), struggle against the backdrop of 1960s Montana.

When Jerry loses his job and impulsively leaves to fight wildfires, Jeanette, feeling abandoned, seeks independence, leading to an affair with a wealthy older man (Bill Camp). Joe, caught in the emotional crossfire, silently bears witness to his mother’s transformation and his father’s absence, experiencing the painful transition from childhood to adulthood.

Carey Mulligan delivers one of her finest performances, portraying Jeanette as both sympathetic and unsettling. Her restlessness and survival instincts make her a complex, flawed character. Gyllenhaal, in a smaller but crucial role, conveys Jerry’s quiet despair and toxic pride with heartbreaking authenticity. Ed Oxenbould’s understated performance anchors the film, capturing the quiet anguish of a boy forced to grow up too soon.

Dano’s direction is precise and unflashy, allowing the raw emotions to simmer beneath the surface. Cinematographer Diego García’s framing captures the vast, desolate Montana landscapes, mirroring the characters’ loneliness. The slow-burn narrative, combined with the subdued score, amplifies the film’s melancholic atmosphere.

Wildlife is a poignant meditation on fractured family dynamics, gender roles, and the quiet devastation of growing up. It doesn’t offer easy resolutions, but its emotional weight lingers long after the credits roll. A haunting, beautifully crafted film that marks Paul Dano as a filmmaker to watch.