Out Come the Wolves

Out Come the Wolves (2024): A Gritty Survival Thriller That Bites Hard

Out Come the Wolves is a tense and visceral Canadian survival horror film directed by Adam MacDonald, known for his previous wilderness-based thrillers Backcountry and Pyewacket. Returning once again to nature’s dark side, MacDonald delivers a raw, suspense-filled story that pits human flaws against primal fear — all set deep within the unforgiving Canadian wilderness.

The film centers on Sophie, played by Missy Peregrym, who ventures to a remote cabin for a hunting weekend with her fiancé Nolan (Damon Runyan) and longtime friend Kyle (Joris Jarsky). From the outset, emotional tension crackles beneath the surface: Kyle still harbors feelings for Sophie, while Nolan’s jealousy and insecurity create subtle but mounting conflict. What begins as a quiet escape quickly spirals into a brutal fight for survival.

Things take a dark turn when Nolan is attacked and severely injured by a wolf during a hunting trip. In a moment of panic, Kyle abandons him in the woods — a decision that triggers both guilt and a terrifying sequence of events. As Sophie and Kyle try to locate Nolan and escape, they are hunted by a pack of wolves that seem unusually aggressive and cunning. The true terror emerges not only from the beasts that stalk them but also from the unraveling relationships and moral decisions that brought them there.

Missy Peregrym delivers a standout performance, portraying Sophie with emotional nuance and physical strength. Her character evolves from a passive observer of tension to a fierce, desperate survivor. The dynamic between the trio is central to the story, and the performances bring authenticity to their flawed, raw humanity. The film explores how fear, betrayal, and love clash under extreme pressure, creating a psychological undercurrent beneath the survival action.

Visually, Out Come the Wolves uses natural lighting, cold forest landscapes, and handheld camerawork to evoke realism and unease. The Canadian wilderness is both beautiful and brutal, becoming a character in its own right. The wolf attacks are intense and grounded in realism, relying on practical effects and clever editing to avoid over-the-top spectacle while still delivering visceral thrills.

The film’s pacing starts slow, focusing on emotional build-up and character tension before plunging into more violent and suspenseful territory. While some viewers may find the first act too restrained, it pays off once the survival horror kicks in. The gradual shift from emotional discomfort to full-blown terror is one of the film’s strengths, though a few action sequences later in the film veer into predictable genre territory.

Ultimately, Out Come the Wolves is about more than just fending off predators. It’s a story about trust, guilt, and the thin line between loyalty and self-preservation. It asks what we are capable of when pushed to the edge — and whether redemption is possible in the wild.

In conclusion, Out Come the Wolves is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that blends survival horror with character-driven drama. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it delivers a taut, emotionally layered experience that will leave viewers on edge. For fans of wilderness thrillers and psychological tension, this film is a howling success.