Unraveling the Enigmatic Life of Flannery O’Connor
Ethan Hawke’s ambitious biopic, Wildcat, attempts to breathe new life into the traditional biopic structure, but with mixed results. The film’s greatest triumph lies in Maya Hawke’s rich and multilayered performance as the titular character.
Flannery O’Connor, a mid-century American writer known for her dark and dramatic storytelling.
As director and co-writer, Hawke takes an unconventional approach, blurring the lines between O’Connor’s life and her work. The film’s narrative is intertwined with characters from her stories, which, although admirable in its attempt to deviate from the traditional biopic, often feels distracting and distancing.
Laura Linney as Regina, O’Connor’s mother, and a series of Southern stereotypes.
The supporting cast, including Steve Zahn and Rafael Casal, deliver over-the-top performances, which, although impressive in their versatility, sometimes feel hammy and mannered. Maya Hawke, on the other hand, showcases her impressive range, making her character’s inner turmoil feel immediate and true.
Maya Hawke as Flannery O’Connor, struggling with her faith and creative instincts.
The film’s most poignant moments come when it focuses on O’Connor’s inner conflict, as she grapples with her Catholic faith and her creative instincts. A quiet, introspective scene with Liam Neeson as a priest is a welcome respite from the film’s more fantastical sequences.
Liam Neeson as a priest, offering guidance to O’Connor in her time of need.
Ethan Hawke’s vivid sense of place, coupled with Steve Cosens’ cinematography, brings the rural South to life, capturing O’Connor’s isolation and her struggles with her illness. The film’s early scenes, featuring Philip Ettinger as Cal Lowell, O’Connor’s mentor, are equally evocative, conveying the emotional heft that is often missing elsewhere.
Philip Ettinger as Cal Lowell, O’Connor’s mentor and confidant.
While Wildcat may not entirely succeed in its ambitious goals, Maya Hawke’s performance is a beacon of hope, offering a glimpse into the long and promising career ahead of her.
“I classify people into two categories: irritating and less irritating.” - Sarah Ruth, from O’Connor’s short story “Parker’s Back”
