--- title: "The Call of the Wild" year: 2020 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-call-of-the-wild" fi1m_id: "the-call-of-the-wild" imdb_id: "tt7504726" tmdb_id: 481848 wikidata_id: "Q57982258" fi1m_score: 63 critics_score: 54 critics_reviews: 23 published: "2026-10-05T15:47:11.123576+00:00" updated: "2026-10-05T15:47:11.983890+00:00" region: "LT" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Call of the Wild (2020) Directed by Chris Sanders · 1h 40m · LT N-7 · Adventure, Family, Drama ## Identity The Call of the Wild - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-call-of-the-wild - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** the-call-of-the-wild - **IMDb ID:** tt7504726 - **TMDB ID:** 481848 - **Wikidata ID:** Q57982258 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7504726/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/481848, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57982258 **Fi1m score: 63** · Critics 54 from 23 reviews *In a sentence:* Harrison Ford makes friends with a dog who looks as though he has already read the script > An uneven family adventure, worth considering for Harrison Ford’s restrained warmth and the lively sled sequences. Buck’s conspicuous animation remains a distraction, while the softened wilderness leaves too little sense of danger. ## Synopsis Buck, a dog, travels through snowy country with a sled team, meeting people whose company brings both comfort and danger. John Thornton (Harrison Ford), Perreault (Omar Sy) and Hal (Dan Stevens) are among the humans he encounters. Buck has to find his place among the dogs and cope with the demands of the trail, while learning what to expect from the people around him. Adapted from Jack London’s novel, the story follows Buck’s perspective through sled journeys and the wilderness, with his developing connection to Thornton bringing him closer to human company. ## Review Chris Sanders makes a decent family adventure from Jack London’s novel, though anyone drawn by the promise of wildness should lower their expectations. *The Call of the Wild* is interested in Buck’s feelings and his attachment to people, and it makes those feelings easy to read. Michael Green’s screenplay favours reassurance over the harsher possibilities of the material. That is a defensible choice for a PG film, but the snow and fast sleds seldom bring much lasting unease. Buck is the difficulty, and he is also where the film occasionally becomes interesting. Terry Notary provides the live-action reference performance, giving the animators a physical basis for a dog whose movements carry whole stretches of the story. In the sled sequences, the speed and freedom of the animation are absorbing enough to make realism seem a fussy demand. Once Buck shares the image with a human being, though, the discrepancy becomes distracting again. His expressions explain so much that there is little pleasure left in watching an animal and wondering what it understands. Harrison Ford does a good deal to make that problem matter less. His John Thornton has a worn, unforced warmth, and the performance stays restrained even when the film is plainly asking for tenderness. We were moved by the companionship between Thornton and Buck, because Ford gives it his full attention without making a display of his own sensitivity. The quieter wilderness passages benefit from that patience, even when Buck’s expressions keep drawing attention to the effects. Omar Sy brings an equally useful warmth to Perreault, particularly in a film where the human presence can so easily become secondary to the digital activity. Sanders is right to keep Buck at the centre, but that decision leaves some of the people around him looking thinly drawn. Dan Stevens’s Hal belongs to the broader, more caricatured side of the film. Green’s writing is least persuasive when it simplifies people so that Buck’s response to them needs no thought. Janusz Kamiński’s cinematography gives the snow and ice a welcome clarity, particularly during the dog-centred action. Stefan Dechant’s production design contributes to a wilderness that feels carefully arranged, even when it is meant to look untamed. The polished surroundings make the animated animal seem less unusual, but they also weaken our sense of physical risk. That matters in an adventure that keeps asking us to care about a dog’s safety. Editors William Hoy and David Heinz get useful momentum into the sled passages, then have less success sustaining it through the slower second half. At 100 minutes, the film is not long, yet its insistence on being touching begins to feel repetitive. John Powell’s score leans into the film’s sweetness, adding encouragement when the performances have already made the feeling clear. A little less of that encouragement would have helped Ford’s quieter work. The family animal adventure has room for gentleness, and Sanders is not wrong to make companionship the attraction. What disappoints us is how seldom the wilderness challenges that comfort; we get little sense of its harshness. Anyone who finds Buck immediately endearing will have an easier time with the quieter stretches. Consider it for Ford’s company, if a dog with conspicuous acting habits is not likely to keep catching your eye. *Fi1m score 63, published 5 October 2026.* ## What the critics say The reviews are divided, with the consensus settling around a mixed response to this sentimental adventure. Harrison Ford provides the clearest point of agreement: critics across the divide praise his warmth, restraint and vulnerability, often finding his performance affecting even when the digital Buck is not convincing. The sled sequences, snowy scenery and dog-centred action also draw praise, while the more enthusiastic reviews find an entertaining, emotionally engaging retelling beneath the artificial surfaces. The chief disagreement concerns whether the conspicuous CGI serves the story or makes its central animal too difficult to believe. The Ringer welcomes the artificial landscapes as a thoughtful way to celebrate wilderness without damaging it; The Wrap finds the animals lifeless and the adaptation remote from Jack London’s story. Responses range widely, from warm approval to outright rejection, with reservations also clustering around the softened brutality, broad characterisation and sentimentality. ## Straight answers **Is The Call of the Wild worth watching?** *The Call of the Wild* is worth considering for families who prefer gentle animal adventures; we score it 63 out of 100. Harrison Ford’s restrained warmth and the lively sled sequences help, but Buck’s conspicuous animation keeps distracting us, and the wilderness offers little lasting sense of danger. **How long is The Call of the Wild, and what is it rated?** *The Call of the Wild* runs 1h 40m and is rated N-7 by the LT in Lithuania. It is an adventure and family film. **Where can I watch The Call of the Wild in Lithuania?** *The Call of the Wild* is available to buy from Apple TV from €9.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does The Call of the Wild compare to Hunt for the Wilderpeople?** *The Call of the Wild* is the gentler wilderness adventure, but we recommend [*Hunt for the Wilderpeople*](https://film.one/film/hunt-for-the-wilderpeople) for sharper jokes and more persuasive companionship. Ford brings warmth to Buck’s story, though the animated dog is distracting; Julian Dennison and Sam Neill make their friendship funny and moving, despite some fussing over the quirks. **Is The Call of the Wild based on a true story or a book?** *The Call of the Wild* is adapted from Jack London’s novel, rather than presented as a true story. We find this version favours reassurance and Buck’s attachment to people over the material’s harsher possibilities, so familiarity with the book is not needed, though anyone expecting a harsh wilderness adventure should lower their expectations. **What should I watch after The Call of the Wild?** After *The Call of the Wild*, try [*Hunt for the Wilderpeople*](https://film.one/film/hunt-for-the-wilderpeople) (2016, Fi1m 82): Another gruff companion in the wilderness, with sharper jokes and less reassurance. Then [*Dersu Uzala*](https://film.one/film/dersu-uzala) (1975, Fi1m 82): For older viewers, a patient wilderness friendship with a stronger sense of hardship; and [*The Red Turtle*](https://film.one/film/the-red-turtle) (2016, Fi1m 84): A quieter animated encounter with nature, with little comfort offered cheaply. ### Reviews we read (23) - **Little White Lies**, Elena Lazic (2/4/3): Lazic finds this a winning adaptation that treats its audience respectfully. She praises the thrilling sled sequences and the film’s direct, dog-centered perspective. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-call-of-the-wild) - **Slant Magazine**, Michael Joshua Rowin (3/4): The critic finds the adaptation surprisingly thrilling and emotionally moving despite its softened treatment of the novel’s harsh realities. He praises the spirited CGI-driven movement and Harrison Ford’s vulnerable performance. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-call-of-the-wild-review-harrison-ford/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (75/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the film corny but robustly entertaining, with real storytelling bite. He particularly praises its old-fashioned, analogue-hearted adventure despite its CGI animals. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/17/the-call-of-the-wild-review-harrison-ford-jack-london-disney) - **Empire**, Ian Freer (70/100, inferred): Freer finds it a sentimental, dependable retelling that is entertaining without doing anything radical. He praises the well-mounted set-pieces and Harrison Ford’s grizzled gravitas, while noting that the digital animals can make Buck harder to believe as a real dog. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-call-of-the-wild/) - **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (70/100, inferred): Gleiberman finds the film increasingly affecting despite its overdone, artificial visual style. He praises Harrison Ford’s soulful, restrained performance for bringing Buck and their friendship to life. [Read](https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/the-call-of-the-wild-review-harrison-ford-1203505493/) - **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The review’s verdict cannot be verified because the page only shows a browser-check message. No praise or complaint can be identified from the available text. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-call-of-the-wild-movie-review-2020) - **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The review page could not be accessed, so its verdict is unavailable. No praise or complaint could be verified. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/movies/the-call-of-the-wild-review.html) - **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (60/100, inferred): Walsh finds the film a simple, old-fashioned adventure that is held back by its conspicuously animated dog. She praises the human performances, especially Omar Sy’s warmth and Harrison Ford’s gravelly presence. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-02-19/call-of-the-wild-review-harrison-ford-jack-london) - **Time Out**, Dan Jolin (3/5): The review finds the man-and-CG-dog adventure somewhat lost in the uncanny valley. It praises Harrison Ford’s gruff charisma, while faulting the dog’s artificial appearance. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-call-of-the-wild-1) - **Total Film**, James Mottram (3/5): Mottram finds the film a big-hearted adaptation despite distracting CGI and caricatured performances. He praises the impressive motion-capture and snowy visuals, while noting that the animals do not always look real. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/call-of-the-wild-review/) - **IndieWire**, Eric Kohn (C): Kohn finds the adaptation a misguided, visually awkward effort that cannot reconcile its CGI dog with the natural world. He praises the icy cinematography and says the dog-focused action sequences are among the film’s most engaging. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-call-of-the-wild-review-1202211611/) - **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (2/5): O'Sullivan finds the film mild, sappy and frequently ridiculous, though it should please children. She praises Harrison Ford's involving performance and notes some warm acting and neat visual gags. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-call-of-the-wild-review-harrison-ford-and-his-dead-eyed-cgi-dog-take-a-walk-on-the-mild-side-a4365161.html) - **The AV Club**, Allison Shoemaker (35/100, inferred): Shoemaker finds the film disappointing, arguing that its blend of live action and photorealistic animation never quite works. She praises the animated sequences of Buck running through the wilderness, where the format’s possibilities come alive. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/harrison-ford-and-call-of-the-wild-get-lost-in-the-wild-1841745997) - **Film Comment**, Michael Sragow (30/100, inferred): Sragow finds the adaptation flimsy and overly familiar. He faults it for playing like a middling live-action Disney movie. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/deep-focus-the-call-of-the-wild/) - **Screen Daily**, Fionnuala Halligan (30/100, inferred): Halligan gives the film a negative verdict, calling this version over-produced. She singles out its excessive CGI as overwhelming the story. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/call-of-the-wild-review/5147249.article) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck (30/100, inferred): Scheck finds the film overblown and visually disorienting, despite its brisk pace and handsome cinematography. He singles out Harrison Ford’s sensitive, emotionally deep performance as the film’s best feature. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/call-wild-1279441/) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (30/100, inferred): Lane finds the adaptation too softened and its digital Buck not quite credible. He praises Jack London’s novel as ferally fast and lithe, while arguing the film loses its savagery. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/03/02/watching-the-call-of-the-wild-with-an-audience-of-dogs) - **Vulture**, David Edelstein (20/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the adaptation weak and fundamentally at odds with the novel’s wildness. He praises Harrison Ford’s naturally surly performance but criticizes the CGI dogs and the film’s sentimental, homogenized tone. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/call-of-the-wild-pairs-a-fake-dog-with-a-real-harrison-ford.html) - **HeyUGuys** (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the film very entertaining and emotionally affecting. They praise Terry Notary’s motion-capture performance as Buck and its contribution to Harrison Ford’s performance. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-call-of-the-wild-review/) - **The Ringer**, Manuela Lazic (75/100, inferred): Lazic finds the film a thoughtful, celebratory use of CGI that also warns about humanity’s harm to nature. She especially praises how the artificial landscapes convey the beauty and fragility of the wilderness without damaging real terrain. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2020/02/24/movies/call-of-the-wild-harrison-ford-dog-movie-is-good) - **Consequence**, Robert Daniels (65/100, inferred): The review finds the film silly and formulaic but still an enjoyable family adventure. It praises Buck’s endearing personality and Harrison Ford’s lighthearted performance, while criticizing the conspicuous CGI and slow second half. [Read](https://consequence.net/2020/02/film-review-call-of-the-wild/) - **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (6 out of 10): Bui finds the film heartfelt but ultimately weighed down by uncanny CGI, tonal unevenness, and schmaltz. She praises Harrison Ford’s vulnerable performance and the quiet wilderness passages in the second half. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/572461/the-call-of-the-wild-review/) - **The Wrap** (20/100, inferred): The critic finds the adaptation slow, emotionless, and unrecognizable as Jack London’s story. The review especially faults the CGI animals, whose dead-eyed look undermines the film’s attempt to portray nature. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/the-call-of-the-wild-film-review-2020-harrison-ford/) ## Details - **Director:** Chris Sanders - **Director:** Chris Sanders - **Screenplay:** Michael Green - **Novel:** Jack London - **Cinematography:** Janusz Kamiński - **Editor:** David Heinz, William Hoy - **Music:** John Powell - **Production design:** Stefan Dechant - **Costume design:** Kate Hawley - **Producer:** Erwin Stoff, James Mangold - **Cast:** Harrison Ford as John Thornton; Dan Stevens as Hal; Colin Woodell as Charles; Karen Gillan as Mercedes; Omar Sy as Perreault; Raven Scott as Pastry Chef; Wes Brown as Mountie; Cara Gee as Françoise - **Runtime:** 1h 40m - **Certificate (LT):** N-7 - **Release (Lithuania):** 21 February 2020 - **Genres:** Adventure, Family, Drama - **Budget:** $109 million - **Box office:** $111 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P8R2zAhEwg ## Where to watch in Lithuania - Apple TV: buy €9.99, sd *Checked 2026-10-05.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HU, IE, IL, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, SE, SG, TH, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The Black Stallion* (1979): A boy and a horse make companionship convincing without quite so much signalling. - *Belle and Sebastian* (2013): Snow, danger and a dog, with a more tangible sense of companionship. - *Hunt for the Wilderpeople* (2016), Fi1m 82: Another gruff companion in the wilderness, with sharper jokes and less reassurance. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/hunt-for-the-wilderpeople.md) - *Dersu Uzala* (1975), Fi1m 82: For older viewers, a patient wilderness friendship with a stronger sense of hardship. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/dersu-uzala.md) - *The Red Turtle* (2016), Fi1m 84: A quieter animated encounter with nature, with little comfort offered cheaply. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-red-turtle.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-call-of-the-wild