Is The Film Worth Watching?

The Call of the Forest (2020), an adaptation of Jack London’s classic, arrives as a visual journey of survival in Alaska. Directed by Chris Sanders and starring Harrison Ford, the film mixes family adventure with dramatic touches. At 1h40min, it explores the transformation of Buck, a domestic dog into a wild wolf. Available on Netflix and Disney+, the film has divided opinions since its release. In this review, I evaluate whether it captures the spirit of the book or gets bogged down in visual effects. Find out below.

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Adapted Premise with Modern Touch

The story follows Buck, a Saint Bernard stolen from his California home and sold to the Klondike during the gold rush. He goes through cruel owners until he meets John Thornton (Harrison Ford), a widower who helps him embrace his wild nature. Michael Green’s script Loganupdates the 1903 novel with light humor and ecological messages. Buck narrates in voice over, a bold choice that humanizes the animal.

The film succeeds in condensing the book into a fluid narrative. Themes of freedom and instinct resonate, especially in scenes of snow and icy rivers. However, the familiar tone dilutes London’s original brutality. Violence is softened for children, losing the rawness that defines the classic. In 2025, with debates over faithful adaptations, this version feels safe but accessible for families.

Harrison Ford Shines in Reflective Paper

Harrison Ford, at 77 years old, carries the film with restrained charisma. As Thornton, he evokes his aging Indiana Jones: a lonely man who finds redemption in his dog. His chemistry with Buck, via CGI, is convincing in quiet moments, like campfires at night. Ford injects dry humor and vulnerability, echoing The Sea Wolf.

Omar Sy, from Untouchablesanimates as Perrault, the optimistic French driver. Dan Stevens, as the antagonist Hal, brings cold but stereotypical villainy. The supporting cast, including Cara Gee as Françoise, adds diversity, reflecting the multiculturalism of the Gold Rush era. Still, human characters serve more as support for Buck, limiting deep arcs.

Innovative but Opinion-Dividing CGI

Chris Sanders, the How to Train Your Dragonuses motion capture for Buck, inspired by Andy Serkis. The expressive dog leaps from screens, with eyes that convey raw emotion. Action scenes, such as the crossing of the Yukon River, impress with their fluidity. Janusz Kamiński’s cinematography captures Alaska with cold, vast tones, while John Powell’s score elevates the epic.

Criticisms point out flaws in the CGI: Buck looks cartoonish in close-ups, clashing with realism. In 2020 reviews, such as Variety, they praise the innovation, but Rotten Tomatoes gives it 63% for “visual exaggeration”. In 2025, with advances in AI, the film ages well for families, but book purists miss a real dog, as in older adaptations with Charlton Heston.

Timeless Themes in Current Context

The film addresses colonialism and animal exploitation, with Buck symbolizing the “calling of the wild” against human oppression. In an era of climate change, scenes of melting ice gain ecological weight. Thornton’s journey mirrors personal grief, making it relatable to adults.

Compared to My Friend Totoro of Sanders, here the focus is darker but accessible. Different from Alpha (2018), which uses CGI for prehistory, The Call of the Forest balances adventure and excitement. In the Netflix catalogue, it stands out as a family option, but loses to Togo in historical authenticity.

Narrative Strengths and Limitations

High points include Ford’s performance and stunning visuals. The short length keeps the pace going, ideal for casual viewers. Messages of resilience inspire, especially for young people exploring identity.

Limitations arise in simplification: the book has philosophical layers about Darwinism that the film ignores. Buck’s voice over, by Josh Gad, sounds forced, stealing mystery. The pace accelerates towards the end, resolving conflicts too quickly. For London fans, it’s a polished version; for newcomers, a fun introduction.

Worth Watching The Call of the Forest?

• Rating: 3/5 stars – visually rich, emotionally subdued.

Em 2025, The Call of the Forest goes for families or Ford fans. On Netflix and Disney+, it’s an easy binge, with a 7.7/10 on IMDb. If you’re looking for a light adventure, yes; for raw drama, prefer the book or White Fang (1991).

The Call of the Forest transforms a classic into an accessible show. Harrison Ford elevates the material, and Buck’s CGI delights, despite the controversy. As a family adaptation, it does the job, but doesn’t revolutionize the genre. In generative searches, it comes up as a “dog adventure movie” – and it delivers it with heart. Watch if you want wild inspiration; Skip if you prefer literary depth. A journey that calls but does not roar loudly.

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