‘Autumn and the Black Jaguar’ Review: Family-Friendly Film Is a Dismaying Bore for Kids and Adults Alike

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Following films like “Mia and the White Lion” and “The Wolf and the Lion,” director Gilles de Maistre’s “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” underscores his commitment to light, family-friendly movies with an environmental message at their core. However, as demonstrated by this latest film, having lofty ideals about wildlife conservation doesn’t guarantee a compelling screenplay or an enjoyable movie. Despite its conservation-focused theme, “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” unfortunately becomes a rather awkward viewing experience in multiple ways, detracting from the intellect and sophistication that one would expect from its young viewers.

The story is penned by Prune de Maistre, and it revolves around Autumn (Lumi Pollack), a 14-year-old residing in New York City who is affectionately brought up by her single father Saul (Paul Greene). The narrative occasionally flashes back to Autumn’s carefree childhood in the Amazonian rainforest, although its precise location isn’t explicitly stated. Instead, it’s portrayed somewhat unsympathetically as an “exotic” jungle of sorts. These abrupt transitions reveal that Autumn was contentedly living with her parents and a close friend named Hope, who is a stunning black jaguar she has grown up with. (Although certain settings are digitally constructed, the animals are real – two rescued jaguars, Hope and Gem, represent the wildcat at various ages.)

One day, Hope’s mother was tragically killed by poachers, placing Autumn in peril. This event prompted Saul to realize it was necessary for them to depart from the rainforest and seek a safer environment more conducive to raising his daughter. Later, when Autumn stumbled upon letters that their longtime family friend and indigenous Chief Oré (Wayne Charles Baker) had been sending to her father, she learned that Hope was in grave danger due to the menace of relentless poachers. This revelation inspired Autumn to return once more to the Amazon jungle in an attempt to rescue Hope.

In a highly unusual attempt to prevent Autumn from carrying out whatever she has planned, agoraphobic biology teacher Anja (Emily Bett Rickards), despite her fear of leaving home, rushes to the airport in a state of alarm. With only two minutes until departure, she buys a ticket and boards the flight, even remembering to take her injured pet hedgehog along for the ride. This whole scenario is as puzzling as it seems, leaving viewers scratching their heads in bewilderment. One might wonder why Anja doesn’t simply contact Autumn’s father or inform the airline about an unaccompanied minor on an international flight instead.

Upon arriving at an undisclosed Amazonian location, “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” deteriorates further, portraying Anja’s femininity and mental health issues in a harsh and insensitive manner. Frequently, she is reduced to a stereotypical, hysterical and shrieking character, causing increasing frustration for Autumn. Concurrently, the Chief Oré and his people (again, vaguely defined and unnamed) are subjected to derogatory treatment. The costumes and makeup used for Oré’s tribe appear artificial, lacking authenticity, cultural relevance or a sense of habitation.

If the movie had developed a more profound narrative for characters Autumn and Hope, it could have provided something to invest emotions in, a connection that both adults and children could resonate with. However, “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” fails to deliver in this aspect as well, instead offering bland scenes where they merely run about. As a result, their reunion lacks impact – there are many more compelling human-animal reunions readily available online on platforms like YouTube and social media.

Simultaneously, the urgency of Doria Dargan’s (Kelly Hope Taylor) sinister scheme to capture the jaguar seems insufficient, despite the genuine threats such as poaching, deforestation, and the risk of extinction that these magnificent creatures face. These matters are critical and vital for both adults and children to understand and empathize with. Regrettably, “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” handles these pressing issues in a manner that resembles an educational program after school hours.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must express my concern about the message “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” seems to be conveying regarding human interaction with wild animals and their habitats, particularly rainforests and jaguars. While it’s essential to maintain a healthy dose of respect and fear towards these magnificent creatures, the portrayal of Amazonian jungles as a playground in this film is problematic. The protagonist, Hope, appears to get dangerously close to being depicted as a pet rather than a responsible observer.

The most offensive aspect of the movie, however, is when Anja, in a condescending tone, assumes the role of a white savior, lecturing the Amazonian people about their interactions with wealthy individuals like Doria. She implies that while these affluent individuals may provide financial aid to local families, such assistance could potentially endanger their children’s future. This portrayal is not only inappropriate but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and power dynamics.

As a moviegoer passionate about wildlife and conservation, I must commend Maistre for his noble efforts in rehabilitating rescued jaguars and providing them with a safe haven for the rest of their lives at an animal sanctuary. Regrettably, the merits of “Autumn and the Black Jaguar” are limited to this single aspect.

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2025-01-17 10:16