100% Wolf
| Industry | Animation film production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Australia , Australia |
| Products | Animated films, television series |
100% Wolf is a 2020 Australian animated film blending adventure, fantasy, and comedy, directed by Alexs Stadermann and produced by Alexia Gates-Foale alongside Barbara Stephen. Based on Jayne Lyons' 2009 novel, the movie features voice performances from Jai Courtney, Samara Weaving, Magda Szubanski, Rhys Darby, Ilai Swindells, Akmal Saleh, Rupert Degas, and Jane Lynch. It follows a young member of a werewolf family whose initial transformation unexpectedly results in a poodle form, setting him off on a journey to establish his rightful place.
The film was produced by Flying Bark Productions and premiered on May 29, 2020, through Studio 100. It accumulated $8.1 million globally and received a range of critical responses.
Plot
Freddy Lupin is the designated successor of a werewolf clan tasked with safeguarding their community but finds himself at odds with the town’s dogs. After losing a magical moonstone to Foxwell Cripp, an ice cream vendor, and following the apparent demise of his father Flashheart, Freddy’s uncle Hotspur assumes leadership of the pack.
Six years onward, Freddy’s first attempt at transforming into a wolf fails disastrously—he turns into a poodle instead. Threatened with exile unless he can demonstrate his wolf identity by nightfall, Freddy embarks on a mission to reclaim the moonstone from Cripp, who is determined to expose werewolves.
While navigating the town, Freddy befriends Batty, a stray dog known as 'Houndini' for his knack at escaping capture. Together they recover the moonstone but are apprehended and confined at Coldfax Dog Pound under Hotspur’s control. There they encounter dogs Hamish, Bruno, and Twitchy. Discovering that a poodle has stolen the moonstone and that Freddy is imprisoned there, Hotspur feigns adopting Freddy but instead steals the moonstone and abandons him. Freddy then reveals his true identity to Batty and the others as Cripp confirms the Lupins’ werewolf heritage.
After an unsuccessful escape attempt, Freddy is thrown into a pit containing 'the Beast,' who is revealed to be Flashheart—wounded and trapped in wolf form due to Hotspur’s silver bracelet. With help from Batty and the other dogs, Flashheart is freed. They uncover Hotspur’s sinister plan to transform all dogs into wigs. During their breakout, Mrs. Mutton confronts Hotspur while Twitchy remains behind.
Returning to human shape, Freddy leads Flashheart and their canine allies back to challenge Hotspur. Cripp attacks using silver concentrate but is thwarted by Freddy. Hotspur activates a wig-making machine while the werewolves are weakened; however, Mrs. Mutton and Twitchy destroy the device and liberate the dogs. Freddy draws Hotspur onto the rooftop where, embracing his poodle form under moonlight, he lets out a commanding roar to assert his alpha status, causing Hotspur to fall.
In the aftermath, Freddy reflects on how werewolves and dogs now live harmoniously; their mansion has become open to all dogs. Hotspur and his family have taken up dog-walking; Coldfax Pound has been shut down with its leader arrested. Cripp now sells ice cream at the mansion while Flashheart resumes leadership of the pack, proud of Freddy's promising future as alpha.
Reception
100% Wolf garnered mixed-to-positive critiques and earned $7.7 million worldwide.[1][2]
On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 69% approval rating based on 16 reviews with an average score of 5.8/10.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Common Sense Media awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, citing "mild peril, slapstick violence, scenes inspired by classic horror movies, and potty humor," noting it offers entertainment but limited educational merit.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The Hollywood News rated it 3 stars, emphasizing its reliance on familiar story elements from popular films like The Lion King and How to Train Your Dragon to appeal to children.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Conversely, Oakville News criticized it for lacking substance beyond being "100% weirded out."Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Cath Clarke of The Guardian commended the film’s dog pound characters and humor, highlighting standout moments such as Freddy’s reluctant canine behaviors.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Lisa Giles-Keddie from HeyUGuys observed that although 100% Wolf draws heavily from larger scale animated productions, it remains enjoyable and has potential merchandising appeal for Freddy the werepoodle.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Similarly, The Globe and Mail described it as predictable but still watchable.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In contrast, The Curb praised its inclusion of Australian cultural references and vernacular expressions that add local flavor to an otherwise universally relatable narrative.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Television series
A television series spin-off consisting of 26 episodes, named 100% Wolf: Legend of the Moonstone, debuted on ABC ME on December 28, 2020. The series was developed by Flying Bark Productions alongside Studio 100 Animation. The second season, titled The Book of Hath, premiered on ABC ME on May 1, 2023.
Sequel
In July 2022, a follow-up film called 200% Wolf was officially announced. Flying Bark Productions later confirmed the release schedule on April 28, 2024, with the movie set to hit Australian theaters on August 8 and United States cinemas on August 23.