Autumn and the Black Jaguar (2024): review

Gilles de Maistre’s Autumn and the Black Jaguar tells the moving story of a young girl who undertakes a dangerous journey to protect her best friend, a rare black jaguar, from poachers in the Amazon. The director turns that friendship into an absorbing family adventure with emotional depth and a strong message about protecting nature and animals.

Pollack and Rickards

At its heart is the unusual, touching friendship between Autumn, played by Lumi Pollack, and the jaguar Hope. Pollack’s convincing performance and her connection with the animal make the character emotionally engaging. Emily Bett Rickards is also impressive as the biology teacher Anja, who is reluctantly drawn into the adventure. Her comic ability and her portrayal of the character’s internal conflicts add another dimension.

Nature, music and message

De Maistre balances action, emotion and message with care. His approach makes questions about the Amazon rainforest and animal trafficking accessible without losing their seriousness. Spectacular nature photography and Armand Amar’s compelling music create an atmosphere that draws us into the film’s world.

The scenes with the jaguars

The technical execution is particularly effective in the scenes involving the jaguars. The interactions between Pollack and the animals give the central friendship a convincing physical presence and help the adventure feel immediate.

Verdict

Autumn and the Black Jaguar is a plea for nature and animal protection, and for preserving our connection with the natural world. It is touching and inspiring, and its images and emotions linger. This is a family film with heart, deserving of an audience.