"Wildlife" is a poignant exploration of teenage life and the complexities of family relationships set in 1960s Montana. The narrative follows 14-year-old Joe, who grapples with his parents' tumultuous marriage and the changing dynamics of his once-stable home. His father, overwhelmed by financial difficulties, leaves to fight fires, leaving Joe and his mother to navigate their disintegrating relationship.
As Joe seeks to understand his mother's coping mechanisms and the impact of their father's absence, he witnesses her transformation. This leads him to confront the painful reality of growing up and the challenges that come with it, including the loss of innocence and the quest for identity amidst chaos.
The writing delves into themes of loyalty and the struggle for personal agency. Joe's journey serves as a coming-of-age story where he must reconcile his love for his family with the stark realities of adult relationships, making "Wildlife" a deep and resonant tale of adolescence.