Wildlife only survives on the goodwill that Carrie Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal bring to their performances as a 1960 wife and husband struggling in Montana. The languid pacing lulling against the atmospheric backdrop can’t sustain interest. Too many close ups only make you long for an energetic climax. The breakdown of their marriage seen through the eyes of their son is too familiar. Mulligan tries her best to infuse a new take on the frustrated wife. An understated Gyllenhaal doesn’t do justice to his part and when his fuse blows it doesn’t resonate. The great novelist Richard Ford wrote the novel the film is based on. The art of his interior reflections are difficult to translate. This is Paul Dano’s first directorial effort and it is commendable. The script written with his partner Zoe Kazan borders on arch. David Lang’s score is effectively beautiful.  Finally I give the sweet portrait ending an illusion of catharsis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_(film)