The Call of the Wild 2020
Directed by
Chris Sanders
Made by
20th Century Fox
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Call of the Wild (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
During the late 19th century Gold Rush, Buck, a large and gentle St. Bernard/Scotch Collie, enjoys a peaceful life with his master, Judge Miller, in Santa Clara, California. However, one fateful night, Buck is forcibly taken from his home, destined for a life of servitude in the Yukon aboard a freighter. The journey is brutal, as a crew member harshly mistreats him by beating and starving him. Once in the Yukon, Buck’s fortunes begin to change when he returns a fallen harmonica to a man named John Thornton, moments before being sold to Perrault and his assistant, Francoise. They embark on a treacherous journey across the icy expanse of the Yukon, delivering mail via dog sled, with Perrault eager to meet tight deadlines.
As Buck integrates into his new life, he meets the other sled dogs, including the fierce pack leader, Spitz, a Husky bent on asserting dominance. Throughout their arduous travels, Buck forms a bond with Francoise after saving her from a perilous situation on the ice, and gains the trust of the other sled dogs. However, trouble brews as Spitz grows increasingly hostile. In a pivotal moment, Buck confronts and defeats Spitz, claiming the role of pack leader when no other dog steps up. With Buck at the head of the team, their sled arrives at the mail depot just in time to deliver their cargo. Here, Thornton shares a heartfelt letter to his late wife regarding their deceased son, further deepening the emotional connection between him and Buck.
Soon after, Perrault learns that the mail route will be replaced by the telegraph, compelling him to sell the dogs. The corrupt Hal, played by [Dan Stevens], purchases Buck and the team, forcing them to endure grueling conditions while hauling heavy loads. Exhausted, the dogs halt at the edge of a precarious frozen lake, but Hal insists they continue. When Buck refuses to budge, Hal resorts to threats, prompting Thornton to intervene and rescue Buck while the other dogs are sent across the treacherous ice.
Resting under Thornton’s care, Buck begins to recover. A confrontation at a bar leads to Hal attacking Thornton, who is betrayed by the very dogs he relied on. Witnessing the assault drives Buck into action; he retaliates against Hal, who later becomes obsessed with hunting down Thornton, believing he’s hoarding gold. As the chase unfolds, Buck and Thornton venture beyond the Yukon map, discovering an abandoned cabin in a vast, open valley where they decide to stay.
In the serenity of the wilderness, a bond forms between Thornton and Buck as they engage in daily pursuits like fishing and gold panning. Yet, Buck feels the pull of the wild, especially drawn to a female white wolf. Torn between his life with Thornton and the wolf pack, Buck finds himself at a crossroads. Thornton, sensing the impending return to civilization, tells Buck it’s time to leave, inviting him to say farewell. That night, Buck seeks the solace of the forest, lying next to the white wolf, caught in a state of conflict.
Tragedy strikes when Hal finds Thornton and shoots him fatally. Enraged and grieving, Buck retaliates, confronting Hal and pushing him into the cabin, which is engulfed in flames. In his dying moments, Thornton urges Buck to live for himself, expressing, > “It’s okay, boy. You’re home.”
The following day marks a new beginning for Buck, as he finally heeds the call of the wild. He embraces life in the wilderness, mating with the white wolf and taking on the mantle of pack leader, thus fully realizing his true nature.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Call of the Wild (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Buck's Peaceful Life
In the late 19th century, Buck, a friendly St. Bernard/Scotch Collie, lives a loving and tranquil life with his master, Judge Miller, in Santa Clara, California. His days are filled with comfort and affection, far removed from the harshness of the world beyond his home.
Captivity Begins
One fateful night, Buck's life changes drastically when he is forcibly taken from his home. This abduction marks the beginning of a brutal journey filled with hardship, as he is sold into servitude and taken aboard a freighter bound for the Yukon.
Harsh Treatment
As Buck travels to the Yukon, he faces extreme mistreatment at the hands of a cruel crew member. Buck is beaten and starved, which strips away his previous comforts and sets the stage for his struggle for survival in a harsh new environment.
A New Master
Upon arriving in the Yukon, Buck's fortunes shift when he returns a fallen harmonica to John Thornton, just before being sold to Perrault and his assistant, Francoise. This act marks the start of Buck's new life as a sled dog, embarking on challenging journeys across the icy terrain.
Struggles with Spitz
Buck joins the sled dog team and meets Spitz, the fierce pack leader who is determined to maintain his dominance. Tensions escalate as Spitz grows more hostile towards Buck, creating an atmosphere of conflict within the team.
Claiming Leadership
In a defining moment, Buck confronts Spitz in a battle for leadership. With no other dogs stepping up, Buck proves his strength and cunning by defeating Spitz, thus claiming his rightful place as the new pack leader.
Delivering the Mail
With Buck at the helm, the sled team races to deliver their cargo to the mail depot just in time. This success strengthens the bond between Buck and his new master, John Thornton, who shares a touching letter about his late wife.
Transition of Routes
After a successful delivery, Perrault is informed that the mail route will be replaced by the telegraph. Facing the end of their service, Perrault reluctantly decides to sell the dog team, including Buck.
A New and Cruel Master
Buck and the team are sold to the unscrupulous Hal, who subjects them to grueling conditions while demanding they haul heavy loads. The situation escalates when Buck refuses to move across a precarious frozen lake, leading to a confrontation.
Thornton's Intervention
When Hal threatens Buck to force him to move, John Thornton intervenes, rescuing Buck from the cruel treatment. Thornton's compassion signals a turning point for Buck, who starts to recover under his care.
Conflict in the Bar
While resting, a confrontation at a bar leads to Hal assaulting Thornton, revealing the betrayal by other dogs. Fueled by anger and loyalty, Buck retaliates against Hal, indicating his growing bond with Thornton.
Discovery of the Cabin
As Hal becomes obsessed with hunting down Thornton under the belief he is hoarding gold, Buck and Thornton venture into the uncharted wilderness. They discover an abandoned cabin, deciding to stay and explore their new surroundings.
A Life in the Wilderness
In this tranquil setting, Buck and Thornton develop a deep bond, sharing activities like fishing and gold panning. However, Buck feels a pull towards his wild instincts, particularly drawn to a female white wolf, adding conflict to his existence.
Thornton's Farewell
Sensing that civilization is closing in, Thornton urges Buck to embrace his wildness and bids him farewell. This moment of vulnerability signals Buck's internal struggle between loyalty to Thornton and his natural instincts.
Embracing the Wild
Tragedy strikes when Hal fatally shoots Thornton, propelling Buck into a furious rage. After taking revenge on Hal and finally heeding the call of the wild, Buck embraces his true nature, finding his place as the pack leader among the wolves.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Call of the Wild (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Buck
Buck is a large and gentle St. Bernard/Scotch Collie who transitions from a life of ease to one of struggle and leadership. His character embodies resilience, intelligence, and the inherent instincts of a wild animal. As he faces various hardships, Buck evolves from a domesticated pet to the powerful pack leader, reflecting his journey of self-discovery and adaptation to the wild.
John Thornton
John Thornton is a compassionate and determined man who forms a deep bond with Buck. His character represents the qualities of loyalty and empathy amidst the chaos of the Gold Rush. Thornton's nurturing nature contrasts sharply with the brutality of the other men Buck encounters, making him a significant figure in Buck's transformation.
Hal
Hal is the embodiment of greed and cruelty, representing the darker side of human ambition. His desire for control and profit leads to the suffering of Buck and the other dogs, showcasing his lack of empathy. Hal's obsession with wealth ultimately results in catastrophic consequences for himself and others.
Francoise
Francoise is an essential character in Buck's journey, characterized by her strong and nurturing spirit. As Perrault's assistant, she shows kindness towards Buck, forming a connection that highlights her compassion amidst the harsh realities of their expedition. Her character balances the toughness of the environment with warmth and support.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Call of the Wild (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Late 19th Century
The late 19th century was marked by the Gold Rush, a time when many sought wealth and adventure in the uncharted territories of North America. This era was characterized by rugged exploration, the struggle for survival, and the significant impact on both the land and its native inhabitants as settlers expanded westward.
Location
Santa Clara, Yukon
The movie takes place in two primary locations: Santa Clara, California, known for its lush greenery and a peaceful life, where Buck starts his journey, and the harsh, icy Yukon, characterized by its beautiful but brutal terrain during the Gold Rush. The Yukon is infamous for its severe winter conditions and the challenges faced by those seeking fortune through the treacherous landscape.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Call of the Wild (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
Survival is a central theme in the movie, as Buck navigates the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. His transformation from a domesticated pet to a fierce leader of the pack showcases the instinctual drive to survive and thrive in the wild, against all odds. Through challenges and adversity, Buck learns the importance of resilience and adaptability.
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Loss and Grief
The theme of loss and grief permeates throughout the story, particularly through Thornton's deep sorrow over his late wife and son. Buck experiences profound grief with Thornton's tragic death, prompting him to embrace his wild instincts. The emotional bonds formed between Buck and Thornton serve to highlight the pain that often accompanies love.
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Connection to Nature
Buck's journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual return to nature. His connection with the wilderness is emphasized as he learns to trust his instincts. The presence of the white wolf symbolizes the pull of his ancestral roots, illustrating the theme of belonging and the call towards one’s true nature.
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