The Wolf's Call – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Wolf's Call

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

French submarine thriller that's basically Hunt for Red October but with better croissants and a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

6.9/10

92%

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The Wolf's Call

movie

TV-14, 2019

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

French submarine thriller that's basically Hunt for Red October but with better croissants and a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

6.9

92%

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6.9/10

92%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, well-crafted submarine thriller that 92% of critics liked for good reason—it's tense, technical, and takes its subject matter seriously.

The challenge? It's a French film (so likely subtitles), it's methodical rather than explosive, and it requires genuine attention. This isn't background viewing. If your teen loved Hunt for Red October or enjoys technical military content, this is a great pick. If they need constant action or can't handle reading subtitles, they'll tap out in 20 minutes.

The WISE score reflects that it's quality content with educational value about a specialized field, but it's not going to appeal to every teen. The 74% audience score (vs 92% critics) tells you everything—it's good, but it's not a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for the right kid, a slog for the wrong one.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who can handle sustained tension and have the attention span for a technical thriller. Younger kids will be bored, older teens who enjoy military/naval content will find it engaging.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

French submarine thriller with professional military characters working under extreme pressure. Models teamwork and duty, but the high-stakes crisis environment creates sustained tension rather than emotionally balanced pacing. No gratuitous content, but the tone is serious and intense throughout.

Imaginative

Submarine warfare and sonar detection ('golden ears' protagonist) offer a specialized, technical world that's relatively fresh in the thriller space. The near-future setting and crisis scenario invite curiosity about naval operations and acoustic warfare, though it's more procedural than wildly creative.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+. Action thriller violence is present but not gratuitous—expect combat sequences, explosions, and life-threatening situations typical of military thrillers. No sexual content or gore, but the sustained tension and threat of nuclear catastrophe could be intense for younger viewers. Similar safety profile to Hunt for Red October.

Enriching

Strong critical reception (92% RT critics, 6.9 IMDb) suggests solid storytelling. Offers insight into submarine operations, military decision-making under pressure, and the weight of choices that affect millions. The technical aspects (sonar detection, naval strategy) provide educational value about a specialized field. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused rather than deeply philosophical.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Critics loved it (92% RT) while audiences were solid (74%)—suggests quality filmmaking that rewards attention
Introduces teens to the fascinating world of submarine warfare and sonar detection without being a documentary
Models professionalism and teamwork under extreme pressure—these aren't superheroes, just skilled people doing impossible jobs
French production offers a different perspective on military thrillers than the usual American fare
The technical 'golden ears' sonar operator angle is genuinely interesting and educational

⚠

What to Watch For

Sustained tension throughout—this isn't a light watch, it's a nail-biter about potential nuclear catastrophe
Likely requires subtitles unless your teen speaks French, which adds a barrier for reluctant readers
Military violence and combat sequences are present, though not gratuitously gory
The pacing is deliberate and technical—kids expecting Marvel-style action every five minutes will be bored

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you had to make a split-second decision that could affect millions of people?"
"How do you think submarine crews handle being underwater for months at a time?"
"The main character has 'golden ears'—what's a skill you have that others might not understand or appreciate?"
"Do you think the movie made the French military look competent or incompetent? Why does that matter?"

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