THE ACCIDENTAL WOLF – A Review by Cynthia Flores
This project first appeared as a web series that won its lead an Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Actress in a short form Drama Series. So Topic has updated and re-imagined this first season and is premiering it with new footage. If you were a fan of the original, then you will like this version even more.
The Accidental Wolf tells the story of Katie Bonner (Kelli O’Hara) who lives a life of wealth and privilege in New York City. She is a new mother caring for her baby in her Manhattan penthouse. All while supporting her lawyer husband on his quest to climb higher up the company’s ladder. Her perfect life is shattered one night when she receives a call from an unknown number. On the other line, a panicked man fights for his, and his wife’s life as gunshots and explosions echo in the background. Katie and her husband Brad (Mike Doyle) listen in horror as the man, with his last breath, pleads for the life of his pregnant and wounded wife, Tala. The couple is shaken and then they hear a loud knock at their door. Next, they are in the offices of federal authorities being questioned about the call. Brad believes the officer when they are told that it was a prank trying to con them out of money. But Katie does not buy it and embarks on a journey to find Tala. Before long, this mystery of the unknown caller and search for Tala threatened everything Katie loved. It also causes her to question her life choices and the role of the privileged versus everyone else.
The Accidental Wolf has powerful moments with quotable lines and strong performances. However, my biggest problem with the project is that the episodes need a bit more fleshing out of the storyline to better connect them. My favorite part of The Accidental Wolf is its cast. It’s full of well-known New York-based character actors and actresses in every role. It’s fun to see who pops up in even tiny parts. Like Laurie Metcalf playing a one-off shady character named Ram.
I give The Accidental Wolf a 3.5-star rating and think it’s worth a peek this Covid season.
Directed by: Arian Moayed
Written by: Arian Moayed
Rated: NR
Selig Rating: 3.5 Stars
Running Time: 4 episodes, Approx. 30min each
Drama
Release: Exclusively on Topic, the streaming service from First Look Media
Starring: Kelli O’Hara, Raúl Castillo, Mike Doyle, Judith Ivey, Sahr Ngaujah, Denis O’Hare, Laurie Metcalf
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
