“Whiplash” has become the leading example of cinematic stories about young prodigies straining on the cusp of greatness. And for those looking for a familiar story with a sports twist, “Wolves” would seem to fit the bill.
Directed by Bart Freundlich (“The Myth of Fingerprints“), and starring Taylor John Smith, Michael Shannon, Carla Gugino, Zazie Beetz, Chris Bauer, and John Douglas Thompson, the story revolves around a high school basketball star who faces financial hardship, personal injury, and wavering skills as the attempts to make it to the next level. Here’s the official synopsis:
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From the famous courts of West 4th Street, to the tenements over looking the bridges of the lower east side, Wolves paints an original, diverse, and emotional portrait of a boy becoming a man in New York City.
18-year-old, Anthony Keller is a high school basketball star. Now in his senior year he is being recruited by Cornell University, a dream come true. Called “Saint” by everyone at his school (St. Anthony’s), he does his best to live up to his name. He is captain of his team, a good student, has a long time girlfriend and some good friends. But the ease with which he moves through his life is a facade. At home, Anthony struggles with his troubled Father, Lee Keller, (Michael Shannon) and his gambling addiction. Anthony’s Mother, Jenny, (Carla Gugino) has made it her mission to keep the family afloat but has done so only with great emotional and financial sacrifice. As Anthony approaches the end of his senior year and the city finals, he is faced with adversity from all sides, and the stakes are high. He must find his own definition of what it means to be a man, both on and off the court, and in doing so he is confronted with the decision of a lifetime.
“Wolves” opens in theaters and On Demand on March 3rd.