In one sentence: The Call of the Wild follows Buck the dog as he adapts to the harsh Yukon wilderness and discovers his primal instincts. 

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Jack London’s The Call of the Wild is a story that has endured for over a century and Disney’s adaptation proves why it continues to resonate. Using modern technology alongside strong performances, the film brings this tale of instinct, survival and self-discovery vividly to life.

The film follows Buck, a giant dog who is stolen from his comfortable life as a judge’s pet and sold into the harsh world of sled dogs in the Yukon. Thrust into an unforgiving environment and subjected to the brutal realities of working life, Buck encounters danger at the hands of both man and nature. These experiences awaken something primal within him, drawing him closer to the wild and to his true nature.

Disney presents Buck as a cheeky, intelligent and emotionally expressive lead, realised entirely through CGI. Normally, I am cautious when it comes to digital animals, but the effects here are impressively executed. Buck’s movements feel natural and believable and while his facial expressions are heightened, the animators clearly understand canine behaviour. Buck is reportedly based on Director, Christopher Sanders’ own rescue dog. I recognised familiar looks and sounds from my own dogs, from the head tilts to the barks and whines that feel almost conversational. With a non-speaking animal as the central character, expression and movement are crucial and the film succeeds in maintaining engagement. It could be argued that Buck’s strength and abilities are somewhat Disneyfied, but this ultimately makes for an entertaining watch with the audience rooting for him throughout.

As Buck journeys deeper into the wilderness, he begins to see a black wolf with glowing golden eyes, a powerful symbol of his ancestral instincts returning. The wolf is used effectively, both visually and narratively. The contrast in colour and Buck’s confusion upon seeing it suggest something buried and misunderstood coming to the surface. Given that dogs descend from wolves, this physical manifestation of Buck’s instincts feels intuitive and emotionally resonant.

The film is narrated by the unmistakable, gravelly voice of Harrison Ford, who also stars as John Thornton, a grieving man who has lost his son and his sense of purpose. Ford brings warmth and gravitas to the role and his scenes with the CGI Buck are moving. Their parallel journeys form the emotional core of the film, beautifully illustrating the bond between man and dog and how deeply fulfilling such a relationship can be.

I was pleasantly surprised to find three of my favourite actors sharing the screen in this movie. Harrison Ford, Omar Sy and Dan Stevens all bring something distinct to the film. Sy, as Perrault, leans into his natural warmth and comedic background, delivering a performance full of kindness and charm. His easy smile and laugh bring much-needed compassion to Buck’s journey. In contrast, Dan Stevens plays the cruel and greedy Hal, a man unafraid to abuse his sled dogs in pursuit of gold. Stevens’ physicality feels almost weasel-like, perfectly matching his moustache and questionable morals. His role reinforces the film’s message about nature’s dominance and the futility of trying to control it.

Despite Buck’s gradual return to instinct, he remains fiercely loyal, particularly in his relationships with Perrault, Françoise and John Thornton. This loyalty speaks to one of the most enduring qualities of dogs in their capacity to trust, forgive and remain devoted, even after mistreatment. Buck embodies everything that makes dogs so special and explains why they are man’s best friend.

The landscape throughout the film is breathtaking. While some of it is possibly enhanced with CGI, the movie captures the striking beauty and danger of the Yukon. When nature is respected, it offers richness and wonder, but it demands humility. I was pleased to learn that the production adopted environmentally conscious practices, a fitting tribute to both the story and its author.

As Buck undertakes his journey, he steps into a leadership role, embodying strength, kindness and instinctive wisdom. His arc reinforces the idea that what lies within us is often far more powerful than we realise.

The Call of the Wild is a moving and visually rich film that explores self-discovery, nature and humanity at both its best and worst. Buck is a brave underdog who shows that when comfort and control are stripped away, instinct, resilience and adaptability emerge. It is a powerful and accessible message for audiences of all ages.

★★★★ (4/5)