Misha and the Wolves

Film-maker Sam Hobkinson alights on a case of Holocaust appropriation in this gripping documentary about a literary scandal. Misha Defonseca moved her adopted American community with her inspiring story of living among wolves as she bravely trekked across Europe to find her parents, who had been taken by the Nazis. Her bestselling book attracted attention from Disney and Oprah Winfrey, but when Misha sued her publisher for unpaid royalties, the move led to her own downfall. Hobkinson has the main players recall events as if in the moment, allowing us to share their shock and surprise at each new twist, while another Holocaust survivor's dogged detective work reveals truths about Misha that transform the film into a fascinating psychological thriller. There is a sense that the director is only scratching the surface, but the film is unceasingly engaging and provocative, and perfectly timed for our era of fake news.