To Kill a Wolf

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To Kill a Wolf

Released Aug 1

1h 32m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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100%

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26 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

On the fringes of the Oregon wilderness, two strangers with troubled pasts are brought together when a reclusive WOODSMAN discovers a teenage runaway, DANI, hypothermic and barely conscious in the woods. After saving Dani from the elements, The Woodsman begrudgingly agrees to return the teen to her grandmother and the two become unlikely travel companions. As they make their way across the state, they forge an unexpected bond, delving into their pasts and testing their willingness to trust one another. Ultimately, with each other's help, they come to face the demons that haunt them and discover a way to start their lives anew.

Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

What Taylor illustrates... is a sensitive portrait of guilt, of the difference between people who simply want to bury it and those that are consumed by it. Her sympathy for those caught in its warm, familiar pain is what fills To Kill a Wolf with life.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 21, 2025

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Clint Worthington

RogerEbert.com

In stripping down the Red Riding Hood fable to more terrestrial environs, ‘To Kill a Wolf' finds stronger, more delicate ways to sell the simmering psychology of its original fable.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 1, 2025

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Tim Grierson

Screen International

Marked by strong, reserved performances -- and deeply compassionate to its soulsick characters -- this quietly absorbing drama has secrets in store, each of them revealed with uncommon elegance.

Aug 19, 2024

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Daniel Gorman

In Review Online

Theaters mostly don’t exhibit films like this anymore. It’s a shame, as this is exactly the kind of movie we need more of.

Sep 6, 2025

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Emilie Black

Cinema Crazed

The acting and overall look of the film are strong while a few issues can be found in the writing and direction, but in general, it’s a decent watch once one forgets the fairytale connection.

Aug 28, 2025

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Steven Prokopy

Third Coast Review

To Kill A Wolf is confidently made by filmmaker Taylor and beautifully shot by cinematographer Adam Lee...

Rated: 3/4

Aug 26, 2025

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Erika C

Gorgeous cinematography, compelling storyline.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/25/25

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Chris

Superb, well-crafted & enjoyable.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/02/25

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Sam R

Kinda fell in love with this cast...Tho I agree where the film ended I felt like I could ride out another hour with these broken people. The first film I've seen in a while in theaters that felt so human...I hope we get more films like this.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/25

Full Review

Jane L

Must see. Beautiful haunting tender. Acting was incredible cinematography was so satisfying. Story is profound and layered. Better with each watch. One of my favorite films as of yet. Highly recommend this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/17/25

Full Review

Jerome R

Beautiful film, well paced with great performances all around. The girl Maddie Brown stole the film for me. Need more of her. Can't wait to see more of this filmmaker.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/10/25

Full Review

Gray M

This is a really thoughtful film that approaches difficult subject matter with subtlety, without shying away from the realities of these topics. The film is extremely well executed, with it's rich sets and locations captured beautifully by Lee's excellent camera work and lighting and master sound and music work. This is a slower film, but one that forces the viewer to sit in the tension carefully crafted by the acting, editing and direction, leaving a lasting emotional weight with the audience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/03/25

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Kelsey Taylor

Director

Maddison Brown

Dani

Michael Esper

Carey

Kaitlin Doubleday

Jolene

Ivan Martin

The Woodsman

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To Kill A Wolf: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

On the fringes of the Oregon wilderness, two strangers with troubled pasts are brought together when a reclusive WOODSMAN discovers a teenage runaway, DANI, hypothermic and barely conscious in the woods. After saving Dani from the elements, The Woodsman begrudgingly agrees to return the teen to her grandmother and the two become unlikely travel companions. As they make their way across the state, they forge an unexpected bond, delving into their pasts and testing their willingness to trust one another. Ultimately, with each other's help, they come to face the demons that haunt them and discover a way to start their lives anew.

Director: Kelsey Taylor
Producer: Adam Lee, Kelsey Taylor, Ricky Fosheim, Zach Golden
Screenwriter: Kelsey Taylor
Distributor: All the Better
Production Co: Moo Studios, Detention Films, Slated, Hungry Bull Productions, All the Better
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 32m