The Wolf and the Lion 2022

As Alma Deranquel returns to her childhood home nestled in the rugged Canadian wilderness, she stumbles upon an astonishing inheritance: an orphaned lion cub, rescued after a tragic plane crash that claimed a circus-bound aircraft. This cub, saved by a bald eagle from its makeshift nest, stirs deep compassion within Alma, resonating with the conservation efforts of her grandfather who dedicated his life to fighting against animal mistreatment in circuses. At the same time, a female wolf, once a companion of Alma’s grandfather, finds asylum at his cabin with her own pup, fleeing from two scientists eager to capture her for a breeding facility. Against all odds, a strong connection blossoms between the lion cub and the wolf pup, as they play energetically under the watchful eyes of their mothers.

During a crucial two-day trip to audition for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Alma is left alone as the wolf mother vanishes, entrusting her with the care of the cubs. It soon comes to light that the she-wolf has been tranquilized by one of the scientists who intend to move her to a breeding facility aimed at conserving the endangered Canis lupus nyx species. Over the course of a year or two, Alma nurtures the trio, adorably naming the wolf pup Mozart and the lion cub Dreamer, inspired by the legendary song from Ozzy Osbourne. However, when an accident leaves her injured, her Native Canadian godfather, Joe, must notify the authorities, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking separation for the trio.

Mozart is returned to his mother at a rescue facility where experts anticipate he will mate with younger females soon. On the other hand, Dreamer is captured by a lion trainer who is instructing his son, Raphael, on how to dominate big cats. This situation visibly disturbs Raphael as he witnesses the harsh methods employed off-camera. In the meantime, while Alma recuperates from her injuries, she partners with Joe to uncover which circus has bought Dreamer, all while facing the complexities of working alongside her former love interest, whose name is entangled with Joe’s ex-girlfriend.

Fortuitously, the circus encounters the wolf breeding facility, which enables Mozart to catch a whiff of his long-lost brother. Seizing the moment, he stealthily tunnels under the mesh-wire fence to make his escape that very night. Eli, the senior zoologist, finds himself at a loss, needing Alma’s help to track down Mozart, yet unbeknownst to him, Mozart has already freed Dreamer, and the duo sets out in swift pursuit towards Alma’s island sanctuary.

However, their journey is not without obstacles, as authorities receive numerous distress calls about these perceived “menacing” animals on the run. Guided by Raphael, Alma and Eli are hot on the trail of Mozart and Dreamer, eventually landing near the fondly remembered log cabin of Alma’s youth.

In a dramatic moment, Raphael’s father attempts to reclaim Dreamer at gunpoint, but Raphael bravely intervenes just as the police SWAT team arrives on the scene. Amid rising tensions, Alma cleverly maneuvers Mozart and Dreamer through a secret passage from the playhouse into a hollow tree. Ultimately, she and Mozart plunge into the waters, leaving Dreamer to distract their pursuers.

Taut moments later, Dreamer cunningly dodges his would-be captors, proving his resourcefulness. The film concludes with Alma performing a breathtaking outdoor concert dedicated to the welfare of abused gay animals, while Mozart and Dreamer frolic freely in the nearby woods, their bond stronger than any challenge they’ve faced.