The Call of the Wild (2020): A CGI-Driven Tale of Survival and Spirit
The Call of the Wild (2020) is an American adventure drama film directed by Chris Sanders, adapted from Jack London’s 1903 novel of the same name. Blending live-action with heavy CGI elements, the film tells the story of Buck, a large domesticated dog whose comfortable life is upended when he is stolen from his California home and sold into the brutal world of Alaskan sled dogs during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. With Harrison Ford as the film’s human anchor, portraying the grizzled loner John Thornton, the movie explores themes of survival, instinct, freedom, and the primal call of the wild.
Buck, a Saint Bernard–Scotch Collie mix, is animated using performance-capture technology, bringing him to life with expressive facial features and human-like gestures. This creative choice was met with mixed reactions; while it allows for emotional range and storytelling consistency, many viewers found the CGI distracting, especially compared to the realism of using actual animals. Despite this, the film succeeds in conveying Buck's inner journey from a pampered pet to a fierce, independent creature that gradually reconnects with his wild ancestry.
The film begins in the comfortable home of Judge Miller, where Buck lives a carefree life. After being kidnapped and sold into the Yukon, Buck finds himself thrust into a harsh, unforgiving environment. He is purchased to work as a sled dog, eventually proving his strength and leadership by earning the respect of his canine peers. Buck’s journey leads him from one human master to another, including the kind-hearted mail carriers Perrault (Omar Sy) and Françoise (Cara Gee), and eventually to John Thornton, a man seeking peace and healing in the wilderness after suffering personal loss.
The heart of the story lies in the relationship between Buck and Thornton. Their bond is one of mutual respect and quiet understanding. Ford delivers a grounded, heartfelt performance, offering depth to a character who, like Buck, is finding his place in a world that has moved on without him. As Buck answers the call of the wild, Thornton too must face his past and come to terms with letting go.
Visually, the film captures the sweeping beauty of the Yukon with lush cinematography and vibrant landscapes, although much of it was digitally rendered. The stylized production design gives the film a storybook quality, aligning it with family-friendly adventure fare. Composer John Powell’s musical score complements the visuals, emphasizing emotional beats and the natural grandeur of Buck’s journey.
Critically, The Call of the Wild received mixed to positive reviews. Many praised Harrison Ford’s performance and the film’s earnest tone, while others criticized the heavy reliance on CGI and the decision to soften the darker elements of the original novel to appeal to younger audiences. Nevertheless, the film was generally appreciated as an accessible introduction to Jack London’s classic tale.
In conclusion, The Call of the Wild (2020) offers a heartfelt, if somewhat sanitized, retelling of a timeless story. It may not fully capture the raw intensity of the original novel, but it delivers a message of resilience, transformation, and the power of nature in a format suitable for all ages.
