UPDATE: The highly anticipated black metal film “Wolves,” directed by Jonas Ulrich, had its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival just yesterday. This groundbreaking feature showcases a real-life black metal band, WLVS, led by Bartosz Bielenia, known for his role in the Oscar-nominated film “Corpus Christi.”
The film’s unique approach involves actually touring and performing in real clubs, capturing the essence of black metal culture authentically. Ulrich stated, “To take it seriously, we shot real concerts. We wrote a full album and built a stage show.” This dedication aimed to create a visceral experience for musicians and audiences alike.
“Wolves” follows the story of Luana (played by Selma Kopp), who joins her cousin’s black metal band on tour and develops a complicated relationship with its singer, Wiktor (Bielenia). Ulrich emphasizes the film’s focus on the emotional journey, stating, “I wanted a film that treats this world seriously, not some cliché about 1980s rock star antics or satanic rituals.”
With its trailer released last week, the film is already generating buzz for its fresh perspective on the largely male-dominated black metal scene. “I wanted to show how they’re perceived and how relationships get complicated,” Ulrich explained. Kopp, who is making her acting debut, noted the thrill of immersing herself in a world so different from her own.
Bielenia describes his character, Wiktor, as “a very dark person,” shaped by overwhelming solitude and a lack of connection to his past. “He clings to relationships as some kind of confirmation of his worth,” Bielenia shared, hinting at the emotional depth and complexity that audiences can expect.
The film also seeks to confront real-world issues, as Bielenia pointed out the relevance of its themes in today’s climate of rising extremism. “In a climate of growing unrest and fascist movements, such gestures were difficult for us and only used as a last resort,” he added, emphasizing the importance of exploring these topics through film.
As “Wolves” continues to gain attention, it promises to resonate with both music lovers and film enthusiasts. The film has been produced by Dynamic Frame GmbH and is sold by Yellow Affair. With its unique blend of music and human drama, “Wolves” is set to redefine the genre and spark conversations about identity and belonging in modern society.
Stay tuned for more updates as “Wolves” rolls out to wider audiences following its successful premiere! This film is not just about music; it’s a deep dive into the human experience that is sure to leave a lasting impact.
