IR Film Review: RISING WOLF [Samuel Goldwyn]

The aspect of mutants or superheroes in terms of approach always needs to function on a base structure of what the endgame or purpose of the character might be. "Rising Wolf" as a perspective more starts off in the aspect almost of "Escape Room" but the approach of strategy never quite progresses too far. The film was initially called "Ascendant" which would have been more apropos since it would indicate an approach between a higher level of being and a demon. Instead of creating a more grounded structure, the film realizes itself more with abstract imagery and flashbacks per se with some CG enhancements (whose indications are unclear at best). The story talks about a bond between two sisters where one takes blame and has patience while the other one is fairly uncontrolled but the mixture of their identities is never solidified beyond the basic. There is talk of perception back and forth in time but it is never truly understood or explained either. The only aspect that comes through is their ability to communicate with plants and organic elements.

But as the film moves towards the climax and some of the powers are shown that is not necessarily true. The structural set up of the film in an elevator as a prison interrogation room definitely has its merits and the way it plays to this fear works well for the first few times it is used as a freefall but then starts getting repetitive. Charlotte Best as the central character Ari Wolf gets thrown around a lot, screams, has breakdowns, tries to escape and gets trapped but it never quite shows an evolution or understanding of her character beyond survival. The resolution is supposed to make her look like a badass but, like Captain Marvel in her first movie, we, as the audience, don't connect on why we should be cheering for her. Wolf loves her dad but she can't protect him and he himself might be a plant as part of a covert operation. The man holding her father captive also has very little context. As a result, the movie seems to come off more of a concept of "Wouldn't it look cool if...?" instead of understanding what the character beats really need to be. It also tries to set up an ongoing story but without a strong character base, there are issues in terms of that path. D

By Tim Wassberg