THE WOLF WHISPERER: MEET THE MAN WHO TRAINS WILD ANIMALS TO BE MOVIE STARS

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary-style feature offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Zoltan Horkai, a preeminent animal trainer based in Budapest, Hungary. Horkai, who presides over the Horkai Animal Training Center, has lent his expertise to notable productions such as 'Wednesday' (2022), 'Midsommar' (2019), and 'Blood & Chocolate' (2007). His specialization lies in the challenging domain of wild animals, including wolves, bears, and big cats, for which he employs distinctive training methodologies centered on fostering trust and voluntary performance, eschewing coercion. The narrative follows Horkai and his team as they navigate the complexities of preparing animals for film shoots, confronting issues like recalcitrant subjects and unpredictable behaviors. The high-stakes environment of animal training for cinema is palpable, with the team dedicating themselves to executing intricate and occasionally perilous sequences, such as wolves pursuing a horse or a wolf interacting with an actress. Notwithstanding the inherent risks, Horkai's profound connection with the animals and his adept guidance position him as a distinguished figure in his field.