In the tradition of animated feel-good movies with a strong social message woven in-between, 100% Wolf is set to lead family movies in the Vaal Triangle at the box office this festive season. The independent studio production achieved one of the largest lock-down opening weekends at UK cinemas and topped the box-office shortly after. Expectations are that South Africans will embrace the film that has also attracted large numbers in other commonwealth markets like Australia and New Zealand.

100% Wolf opened on Friday last week. 100% Wolf is an independent, Australian animated feature film that has been adapted from the book with the same name, written by Perth-based author Jayne Lyons. The narrative explores the awkwardness of becoming a teenager, particularly when you’re a little different… okay, in Freddy’s case… a lot different!

This is a dark comedy with a distinctive, Australian dry sense of humour. The story of 100% Wolf introduces Freddy Lupin, heir to the leadership of a proud family line of werewolves. Positive he’ll become the most fearsome werewolf ever, Freddy is in for a shock when on his 14th birthday his first “warfing” goes awry, turning him into a ferocious… poodle.

Thrown a bone by the pack elders, Freddy has until the next moonrise to prove he has the heart of a wolf, or risk being cast out forever. With the help of an unlikely ally in a streetwise stray named Batty, Freddy must overcome his pink and fluffy exterior to prove he’s still 100% Wolf. There is great heart which underpins the story of 100% Wolf – Freddy is an outsider who is struggling to identify with his “pack”. He wants to become a great werewolf like his father, but he needs to grow into that role and learn what it really takes to become a leader, in spite of the difficulties thrown in his way. This evolves with the friendship he develops with a street dog named Batty.

Batty has spent her life on the streets with nobody to look out for her but her. She is strong and resourceful and doesn’t need anyone else’s help to get by. This is one of her greatest attributes, and simultaneously one of her greatest flaws because ultimately, she lives a lonely life on the streets.

Through her friendship with Freddy she will overcome her mistrust of others and in turn help Freddy believe in himself. Like any good hero’s journey, it’s in learning to accept himself and take responsibility for those around him, that Freddy develops the capacity to be a great leader…he may never be a great wolf, but he will certainly be the greatest, grand poodle! Ultimately, the overwhelming message of acceptance of oneself and of others without prejudice is a universal theme which is relevant to and will resonate with any audience.

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