DAUGHTER OF THE WOLF (2019) Richard Dreyfuss, Gina Carano

𝑫.𝒂.𝒖.𝒈.𝒉.𝒕.𝒆.𝒓 𝒐.𝒇 𝒕.𝒉.𝒆 𝑾.𝒐.𝒍.𝒇 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗)
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Genre: Action | Thriller | Survival

Starring: Gina Carano, Richard Dreyfuss, Brendan Fehr

Plot Summary:
Daughter of the Wolf follows Clair Hamilton (Gina Carano), a military-trained specialist who returns to her snowy hometown for her father’s funeral, only to have her teenage son kidnapped by a mysterious gang. With law enforcement powerless and time running out, Clair takes justice into her own hands—tracking the kidnappers into the unforgiving wilderness. But as she unravels the plot, she realizes the real threat isn’t just the terrain… it’s the man behind the operation: the cold, calculating Father (Richard Dreyfuss).

Direction & Setting:
The film, directed by David Hackl, leans heavily on its snowy, isolated setting, using the Canadian wilderness as both a physical and psychological obstacle. The atmosphere is tense and raw, with icy landscapes heightening the stakes of every pursuit and standoff.

Performances:
Gina Carano delivers a solid physical performance, combining grit, intensity, and believable combat prowess. While not always emotionally nuanced, her presence fits the tone of the film. Richard Dreyfuss, playing against type, offers a chilling turn as the antagonist—equal parts unhinged and oddly philosophical, giving the film its most unpredictable energy.

Action & Themes:
Packed with survivalist tension and action-heavy sequences, Daughter of the Wolf explores themes of maternal instinct, revenge, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. The hand-to-hand combat is well-choreographed, and the film doesn’t shy away from brutality. While the plot is fairly straightforward, there are a few surprises that keep the pace engaging.

Final Verdict:
Daughter of the Wolf is a snowy survival thriller with teeth. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it delivers a tight, atmospheric ride led by a fierce female protagonist and anchored by a creepy, compelling villain. A solid watch for fans of revenge-driven action set in unforgiving terrain.