Review: 200% Wolf – Howls of laughter 

Directed by Alexs Stadermann
Starring Ilai Swindells, Elizabeth Nabben, Samara Weaving, Jennifer Saunders 

6.5/10

This Australian animation follows on from 100% Wolf and two seasons of TV in adapting Jane Lyons’ fantasy novels. We once again follow young ‘were-poodle’ Freddy Lupin as he attempts to prove himself to the pack.

Although accepted by his fellow werewolves, Freddy (Ilai Swindells) is still unable to command the pack and take over from his father because his other form is just a poodle. When he attempts to commune with the moon spirits, a young moon spirit (Elizabeth Nabben) takes pity on him and allows Freddy to be a true wolf. However, this traps the young spirit on Earth, and it’s up to Freddy, Batty (Samara Weaving), and the other dogs to correct the mistake.

200% Wolf pitches its storytelling more towards younger audiences rather than building a dual meaning that allows it to address adults as well. The advantage of this is that it focuses its appeal, allowing it to frantically split the action between its three cast groupings (Freddy, Batty, Moonpoo and pack). It also means that the humour and messaging are a little more juvenile, but they land well with the intended audience.

The strength of 200% Wolf lies in its world-building. Over the course of two films (and two seasons), it has built up a rather child-friendly body of supernatural lore for fans to engage with. The urban fantasy setting feels fleshed out and is an engaging place to tell these stories.

As such, Freddy is the perfect character for the setting. That right amount of teen bravado was given pause by the unusual nature of his transformation. A traditional ‘chosen one’ protagonist, he is brought low by his transformation into a pink poodle. It’s a standard ‘growth’ narrative of the lure of adulthood, but acquiring the wisdom to handle the responsibilities.

In this, he’s supported by Batty, the archetypal, more competent supporting woman, forced into the shadows by the ‘chosen one’ story (*cough* Hermione). Samara Weaving is certainly the MVP here, bringing great comic timing to Batty, especially as she faces her greatest fear.

There’s a lot here that we’ve seen before, but it’s well presented and enjoyable. 200% Wolf is a good addition to the lore and will certainly land with fans of the series.

DAVID O’CONNELL