UPDATE: The highly anticipated black metal film “Wolves”, directed by Jonas Ulrich, has just premiered at the Zurich Film Festival, showcasing a unique blend of music and drama. This groundbreaking feature stars Bartosz Bielenia, known for his role in the Oscar-nominated film “Corpus Christi”, and marks Ulrich’s debut as a filmmaker.
In a bold move, Ulrich formed a real black metal band called WLVS, led by Bielenia, which toured actual music venues while producing the film. The director stated, “To take it seriously, we shot real concerts. We wrote a full album and built a stage show.” This authentic approach aims to resonate with musicians and audiences alike, ensuring the film captures the essence of the black metal scene.
The narrative follows Luana (played by Selma Kopp), who joins her cousin’s black metal band on tour and becomes romantically involved with the band’s lead singer, Wiktor (Bielenia). As their relationship unfolds, Luana discovers that Wiktor’s radical views might be more intense than she anticipated. “I wanted a film that treats this world seriously, not some cliché about 1980s rock star antics,” Ulrich emphasized.
Kopp, a newcomer to the acting scene, expressed her excitement about exploring this challenging environment. “It was an exciting challenge to immerse myself in such a different reality and grow from it,” she noted. Her character’s development is closely tied to the music, with Kopp creating playlists to capture Luana’s emotional journey.
The film also tackles critical themes such as the complexities of relationships within the largely male-dominated black metal scene. Ulrich aims to present both the positive and negative aspects of this subculture. “I wanted to show how they’re perceived and how relationships get complicated,” he explained.
Bielenia describes Wiktor as a “very dark person” struggling with loneliness. He elaborated, “He’s in a strange place, among strangers. He has no connection to his home or his family.” This exploration of solitude and the search for belonging adds depth to the character, resonating with audiences amid rising global tensions.
As “Wolves” prepares for its wider release, the film is generating buzz for its unique perspective and emotional depth. The trailer, which debuted last week, has already caught the attention of film enthusiasts and music fans alike. Sold by Yellow Affair and produced by Dynamic Frame GmbH, the film promises to be a significant contribution to the music drama genre.
With rising interest in both the film and the black metal music scene, “Wolves” is set to make waves. Audiences can expect a gripping narrative that intertwines human experiences with the raw energy of live music. Stay tuned for more updates as the film continues its journey through festivals and beyond.
