Wild Inside

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Wild Inside

Jul 2026

1h 36m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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26 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

On February 2, 2023, Flaco -- a male Eurasian eagle-owl, the largest species of owl in the world -- was discovered missing from his cage at the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan. What follows when Flaco, who had lived his entire life in captivity, was released in New York City is a surprising story revealing the delight, concern, and fascination of millions in the city and beyond.

Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack)

6d

3.5/4

The film’s footage is therefore astonishing, uplifting, magical, and mysterious, even as the wee humans who become Flaco’s character witnesses over the course of “Wild Inside” grapple with the paradoxes and dilemmas.

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Bilge Ebiri

New York Magazine/Vulture

Aug 3

Wild Inside is also at its best when it centers on the people, on the ways that everyone chose to define themselves in relation to the bird. The story is at once poetic and delusional and solipsistic and beautiful.

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Owen Gleiberman

Variety

Aug 3

What makes “Wild Inside” such a moving and even wrenching experience is that we’re stirred by the creature Flaco was, and it’s the story he lived that made him that creature.

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Aug 16

Social media crazes involving unusual animals often miss me completely. So, just as often, do documentaries about nature. But if Penny Lane makes a documentary about something, I’m going to be into it.

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Monique Jones

AWFJ.org

Aug 11

Flaco may have started his celebrity status as a runaway bird, but he ended as a symbol of freedom, conservation, and an animal’s right to autonomy and safety.

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Sean P. Means

The Movie Cricket

Aug 9

3.5/4

[Lane] finds a cautionary tale of urban living, one that ponders how humans have created an ecosystem that’s not too healthy for us and downright harmful to every other species with which we share the planet.

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John T

@JohnTesnohlidek Aug 11

One of the best documentaries I have seen in a very long time. Beautiful film about an extraordinary creature who captivated fans around the globe.

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Adam S

@AD500 Aug 9

A very thoughtful documentary. It introduces various perspectives on Flaco, his life and freedom. There are moments of humor, surprise, sadness and introspection on how wild animals should live and how they should be valued. There is wonderful detailed sourced material. Iconic photos and live action sequences. The characters around Flaco in this movie are just as interesting. Their genuine emotions and convictions really come through. Such unique people all brought together by an owl.

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SPM 6

@RT30045353 Aug 5

Flaco is truly an American Hero

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Manavjeet P

@ManavPatil999 Aug 1

Wild Inside is a deeply moving and captivating documentary. Director Penny Lane does a fantastic job telling the unforgettable story of Flaco the owl with immense heart, humor, and beautiful visuals. It is a thoughtful look at nature, humanity, and city life that will stay with you long after it ends. Highly recommended!

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Penny Lane

Director

Gabriel Sedgwick

Producer

Nickolas Hasse

Producer

Jessica Harrop

Executive Producer

Caitlin Mae Burke

Executive Producer

Julie Parker Benello

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

On February 2, 2023, Flaco -- a male Eurasian eagle-owl, the largest species of owl in the world -- was discovered missing from his cage at the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan. What follows when Flaco, who had lived his entire life in captivity, was released in New York City is a surprising story revealing the delight, concern, and fascination of millions in the city and beyond.

Director: Penny Lane
Producer: Gabriel Sedgwick, Nickolas Hasse
Distributor: Sandbox Films
Production Co: HBO Documentary Films
Genre: Documentary
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 31, 2026, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $19.5K
Runtime: 1h 36m

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