Druid Peak (2014)

Truly Dreadful Film

Such a frustrating disappointment

One of my all time favorites.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Gorgeous cinematography and wildlife settings in wholesome coming of age story. Lovely settings and camera work. Seemingly balanced father figure showing patience in a casually paced setting and just delightful use of actual wildlife and maybe animal actors to help a troubled teen take a step toward maturing into a young man.

Such a wonderful movie. I very very rarely give anything 10 stars but this was first rate. Thank you Marni Zelnick for this absolute gem! Why are there not more movies like this? The story is compelling; messed up teenage kid is sent to his Father in Wyoming and finds himself and starts to heal from his former life of meaningless mediocrity. I spent 3 months living around Jackson where this was filmed and it is gorgeous scenery. Excellent writing; very good acting by all. I particularly liked the role of the Father. He knew exactly how to act and speak with his errant son. An example of good parenting. For me, the movie underlines the need for our young people and children to be out in nature and among wild animals most of the time. Being stuck in classrooms is not an education. What this young man had in Wyoming was an education and what all young people need, in my opinion. I absolutely LOVED the teaching the Father gives on the ride, explaining how it was only when the wolves came back to Yellowstone that the behavior of the elk, moose changed resulting in more trees, plants, birds and thus showing how we really are all connected.. but he waited until his son had been nurtured enough by the land, the wolves and the experience before speaking these words. Thank you so much Ms. Zelnick... this has become one of my favorite movies ever. Please make something else with as much heart set again somewhere where it's still wild and free.

"Druid Peak" beautifully captures the struggle of a teenage boy and his way back to life through a connection with nature. Owen's continuous poor decisions in life and high school finally catch up with him and he must now live with the guilt of a best friend's death. At her wit's end, Owen's mother ships him off to live with his estranged father in Yellowstone National Park. Owen and his father connect in a very subtle way, but it is Owen's intrinsic ability to connect with nature that eventually allows him to grow.The cinematography alone makes this film worth watching, but the heart of the story is so meaningful and rich that the backdrop just augments the film. Relationships are difficult to portray, especially of a teen and a parent, but "Druid Peak" skillfully and delicately shows us all the elements necessary to do so. With this film, less is definitely more as we learn more from the reactions from the characters and the carefully selected dialogue that is used. This film pulls you in, finding a way to give you empathy for both Owen and his father. The emotional power of both these characters is intensely wonderful; especially as we see such realistic changes in each of them.The characters are complex, yet real. The writing is succinct and the actors' ability to convey the story, not only with words, but with their actions and expressions is absolutely stunning. Spencer Treat Clark who plays Owen embodies his character perfectly. It's obvious that the director and actors synced harmoniously to give us this remarkable film."Druid Peak" is simply beautiful on all levels: it's a compelling and realistic story which is enhanced by stellar cinematography. On the surface, it's a story about a troubled teen, but there are so many layers that it becomes much more than that. It is a story about life.

This is a must see film. A fantastic coming of age story set in Yellowstone National Park. The reintroduced wolf packs are a back story in the film, so if you love wolves you have to see it! Druid Peak was filmed in Wyoming and Utah. The cinematography is amazing. The director was able to use amazing natural light to back light many scenes. I kept thinking the crew must have had to be up early to shoot some of the scenes where the light is coming through the forest.Andrew Wilson underplayed his character so well, it made me rethink all the talking we do as parents. The director's pacing of the scenes was amazing I loved when the camera lingered on a shot for a long time in order to increase the tenderness of the scene. Something that has gone by the wayside in modern movie making.If you love wolves, love the outdoors, and love independent films this is a must see movie! I highly recommend Druid Peak.