Salvaje

As "Wildcat" opens, we are in "The Peruvian Amazon, 5 Hours Away From the Nearest Town" and we are introduced to Harry, a British veteran who came back from Afghanistan with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He comes to the jungle and joins Hoja Nuevo, an NGO to prevent deforestation and rescuing animals. Harry is assigned to an orphaned baby wildcat. In a parallel story, Harry gets to know Samantha, the NGO's founder.

Couple of comments: this documentary is co-directed by Melissa Lesh and Trevor Frost, who previously brought us "Person of the Forest". For some reason I was under the impression that this was a nature documentary about wildcats in the Amazon (wildcats are about twice as big as your typical domestic cat). Imagine my surprise, in the best possible way, that this movie is about so much more. Yes, there is cute footage of the wildcats, but in reality this is a look at how Harry deals with his PTSD, how it affects the people around him, AND the wildcats (who is rescuing whom here?). So as it turns out, on this very last day of 2022, I stumble upon one of the best surprises and movies of the year, and sure to make my top 10 of the best of 2022.

"Wildcat" started streaming on Amazon Prime just yesterday (12/30). This documentary is currently rated 92% Certified Fresh and for very good reason. I had read about this film in a recent New York Times article, nd had circled the release date on my calendar. If you are in the mood for a top notch documentary about the mental health struggles of a guy while also getting an amazing look into the day-to-day life of the Peruvian Amazon, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

This documentary, which is a bit too long for the content, has a theme of rescuing an animal, in this case an Ocelot, in the Peruvian Amazon. But it is actually more about a young man with PTSD and suicidal tendencies trying to salvage his life. There are a few glowing "10" reviews which don't really say anything about the film, many of them only have one review, I wouldn't trust those if one is trying to decide whether to take the time to watch this.

Harry is a Brit who, as a teenager, joined the military and had bad experiences in Afghanistan. Now out and in his 20s travels far away to escape life as he knew it, and ends up in Peru.

Harry meets Samantha (just Sam) there, she is a 20-something American student working towards her PhD, her area of focus is conservation of the planet. In some scenes she wears a T-shirt that says "There is no Planet B", a take on the old saying regarding a plan A and a plan B. We need to take care of this Planet.

Harry and Sam have a natural attraction but she is solid and high functioning, he seems always "needy", and needs the approval of others, including needing to feel good about the Ocelot he is training to be self-sufficient. He at times gets upset when the animal won't leave, then gets worried when it is gone for a few days. He cuts himself and wonders if he should just end it all. He is a real mess.

The Ocelot angle is interesting, particularly for me, a big fan of Ocelots. But the real core of the story is Harry, can he get a grip on reality and salvage his life? This film will not appeal to all but I am glad I took the time, as a peek into a segment of humanity I am seldom exposed to.

At home, on Amazon streaming.

All I'm gonna say is well done Mate. What an incredible journey you've had so far. If you are looking for a fantastic show to watch give this a go. You will experience all the emotions one can have and when it's all said and done, you will end with a smile and just thankful. Thankful there are people out in the world conserving this planet and the animals that live on it. This story is so amazing and the show is so worth watching. The production value is top quality and I really can't offer up any negative feedback. It's just a show that captivates you from the get go. Harry as a US Marine myself, never let go of hope. This journey of life is full of ups and downs.... I know your pain of combat but keep waking up and keep making a difference. One journey at a time Mate!

Harry tells his story in such a pure and raw way. Never have I cried so many times while watching a documentary. The connection he has with Kahn and Keanu can be felt through the screen, along with the strong bond he has with his family. Well done.

If you're looking for a documentary where you feel every emotion- sadness, joy, love, anger, this is the documentary for you.

Harry is going to inspire everyone who watches his story that redemption is possible, you can be happy despite what you've been through, and the love and happiness you are looking for may just be found in a furry friend in a way you never expected.

Thank for for sharing your story, Harry. It won't be easily forgotten.

I absolutely love this movie. I can't stop crying and thinking about it.

It really has impacted me. I don't know what I expected when I started watching it, but I did not expect that. Animal lovers and those people who have inner demons need to see this movie. It makes you see that you can put your mind to it, and you can make things happen. You find yourself really getting into the lives of the 2 main people, and just adoring them. I admire their efforts, triumphs, feats, and for getting through the bad times.

It's beautiful, raw, and real; mixing the need to help nature with the need to love yourself. Lastly, I hope this movie opens people's eyes up about the deforestation problem in the Amazon that kills countless beautiful animals, plant and tree species, and things we probably haven't even discovered yet.

Thank you for doing what you do.