Review: The True Adventures of Wolfboy

A 13-year old Paul (Jaeden Martell) is born with a genetic condition that causes an excessive amount of hair growth, giving him a wolf-like appearance. He is tormented and bullied so much that he will only go outside with a mask on. His father (Chris Messina), heartbroken over how his son is treated, decides to send him to a school where differences are embraced. 

Paul refuses to go and runs off, embarking on a journey to find his estranged mother. Along the way, he stops at a freak show and is then hunted down by its ringmaster (John Turturro) in hopes that he will join the circus. 

While escaping the ringmaster, he meets unlikely friends and fellow outcasts Cristiana (Sophie Giannamore) and Rose (Eve Hewson). Together the three set out on the epic quest to find Pauls mother, with a road trip filled with hijinks and heists. 

This is a gem of a movie. Its dark fairytale themes make it darling and daring at the same time. Just when it seems like a standard road-trip movie, it takes an almost magical turn. There are stellar performances all around from acting veterans like Chris Messina and John Turturro. But it’s Sophie Giannamore that truly steals the show. 

The True Adventures of Wolfboy is advertised as a dark fairytale with a PG-13 rating. There are many adult themes and one surprising F-bomb, but it is still an enjoyable family film. This is an edgy, heartwarming tale about embracing your differences and overcoming adversity. It will fill you with a rollercoaster of emotions from sadness to joy.