Wildlife

           A domestic drama starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal, featuring a breakout performance by Ed Oxenbould as their 14 year old son, Joe. The film takes place in 1960, in Montana. Jeanette and Jerry are having trouble making ends meet and when Jerry leaves to take a low paying job fighting forest fires, Jeanette's life is upended.

           First time director and co-writer of the screenplay, actor Paul Dano plays it conservative with point and shoot direction but does elicit fine acting from his cast . He tells the story from young Joe's point of view and there are plenty of closeups to reinforce the notion, in case we don't realize it. Joe watches as his parent's marriage balances on the edge and Mr. Oxenbould is just remarkable as Joe. Ms. Mulligan too, gives a wonderful performance with body language that speaks volumes defining a wife and mother at a critical juncture in her life. Mr. Gyllenhaal is excellent as usual but once he goes off to fight fires, his screen time is diminished. The film really belongs to Ms. Mulligan and Mr. Oxenbould. Reliable character actor Bill Camp rounds out the cast.

             The cinematography is first rate, with Mr. Dano making good use of light and scenery. The story goes off in an unusual direction thanks to Jeanette's decisions once Jerry leaves but comes back to a satisfying ending that belongs to Mr. Oxenbould. A quiet but strong adult drama.