The Wolves Always Come at Night, directed by Gabrielle Brady and featured at TIFF ’24, is a poignant exploration of climate change’s effects on traditional lifestyles. The film masterfully combines documentary realism with narrative fiction to present a compelling story of displacement and adaptation.
The film is set in Mongolia’s Bayankhongor region, where Daava (Davaasuren Dagvasuren) and Zaya (Otgonzaya Dashzeveg) live a life deeply rooted in herding. Their tranquil existence is shattered by a severe sandstorm that destroys their sheep herd, forcing them to leave behind the land that has been their home for generations.
Brady contrasts the couple’s former pastoral life with their new reality in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. The transition from the open, rugged landscapes of the countryside to the dense, polluted environment of the ger district starkly illustrates their loss. The film captures the vast emptiness and freedom of the rural setting, where their life was closely tied to the land and animals. This is juxtaposed with the claustrophobic, impersonal nature of the city, where the couple struggles to find their place amidst overpopulation and environmental degradation.
Brady’s direction effectively conveys the emotional impact of this transition. The documentary elements provide an unflinching look at the harsh conditions of city life, while the narrative segments reflect the couple’s longing for their previous existence. The result is a powerful portrayal of the difficulties of adapting to a new way of life while coping with the grief of losing their rural heritage.
Wolves Always Come at Night is a moving commentary on the broader effects of climate change, highlighting the personal and emotional costs of environmental upheaval. The film’s blend of real-life observations and cinematic storytelling offers a profound insight into the challenges faced by those displaced by climate change.
The Wolves Always Come at Night is playing at TIFF ’24. For more information, click here.