𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

The Call of the Wild (2020) is a live-action/CGI adventure drama directed by Chris Sanders and based on Jack London’s classic 1903 novel of the same name. It stars Harrison Ford as the central human character, John Thornton, alongside a computer-generated Buck, the dog who serves as the story’s protagonist.

The story is set in the late 19th century during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck, a large and spirited St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix, lives a pampered life in California. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he is stolen and sold into the brutal world of sled dogs in the Alaskan wilderness.

Buck’s journey takes him through various owners and harsh environments, shaping him into a strong and resilient dog. His first owner in the North, Perrault (Omar Sy), is a kind and adventurous mail carrier who teaches Buck the value of teamwork and survival. However, as the demand for sled dogs wanes, Buck’s journey takes him to John Thornton (Harrison Ford), a grizzled and solitary man seeking solace in the wild after a personal tragedy.

Together, John and Buck form a deep bond as they venture further into the untamed wilderness. Along the way, Buck begins to hear the call of the wild—a primal urge to embrace his instincts and reconnect with his ancestral roots. This inner conflict reaches its peak as Buck must choose between staying with John or answering the call of the wild.

While The Call of the Wild (2020) is not considered a definitive adaptation of Jack London’s novel, it offers a heartwarming and visually engaging retelling of the story. Its family-friendly tone and focus on the bond between humans and animals make it an accessible introduction to London’s classic tale.