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Wild Inside

Play trailer Poster for Wild Inside Jul 2026 1h 36m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 23 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.

Critics Reviews

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Bilge Ebiri New York Magazine/Vulture 6d
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. Go to Full Review Owen Gleiberman Variety 6d
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. Go to Full Review Alissa Wilkinson New York Times Jul 31
So “Wild Inside” is full of shots of Flaco that one filmmaker could never capture alone. And this gives it the feeling of a group project, a collective tribute to an animal that will always be part of civic lore. Go to Full Review Sean P. Means The Movie Cricket 20h
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. Go to Full Review Erik Childress Movie Madness Podcast 1d
3.5/4
Penny Lane continues to be one of our finest modern documentarians and her approach towards the fandom and activism of the escaped owl Flaco begins to silently merge with other social issues on how we treat the most vulnerable. Go to Full Review Del Winters MovieJawn 2d
Wild Inside has a clear point of view but doesn't offer any counter-arguments. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Adam S @AD500 23h 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. See more SPM 6 @RT30045353 4d Flaco is truly an American Hero See more 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! See more Read all reviews
Wild Inside

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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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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Wild Inside

Wild Inside (2026) Wild Inside (2026) View more photos

Movie Info

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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