Movie Reviews

‘Wildcat’ review: It’s oh so quiet

Carried by a fine performance.

April 22, 2021

Wildcat is about a reporter named Khadija Young (Georgina Campbell) who is stationed in the Middle East. She is taken prisoner after her convoy is ambushed. They are convinced she is hiding her true identity and will do everything they can to get the information they want from her. The success of their next terrorist attack depends on it.

The outdated premise guarantees there will plenty of torture and suspense. While the physical and psychological torment is there, Wildcat initially lacks the tension that would be expected. This is especially surprising since the film’s final act is so well done.

The lack of sense of urgency may be due to Wildcat’s reliance on dialogue. The movie is filled with conversations. Much of the action takes place in one room, which explains why there is so little action. Still, this setting would also seem ideal for anxious moments, but they never come.

Campbell nearly saves the entire movie on her own. Since there is not much in the way of action, the characters have to save Wildcat. It is a testament to Campbell’s ability that she is able to keep audiences engaged in a film that is mainly comprised of exposition and abuse.

The most glaring issue in Wildcat is the audio. If what is being said is the most important part of a film, then it has to be audible. The movie is very hard to hear at times. Sometimes, it is intentional. Characters whisper and speak in hushed tones. But, there are also times, when it seems like a technical issue. And even the best films do not work if the audience cannot hear what is going on.