A modern interpretation of Jack London's famous novel

The adventure begins in 1906 in San Francisco, as the literary critic Humphrey van Weyden boards the ferry to Sacramento. Soon thereafter, in the heavy fog, the ferry collides with a freight ship and sinks instantly. Drifting in the water, more dead than alive, van Weyden is picked up by the schooner “Ghost”.

The seal-hunter “Ghost” is under the brutal command of Wolf Larsen, who is sailing toward his favorite hunting grounds in the Pacific. The cruel captain, who has no time for sympathy, angrily refuses to put the sophisticated van Weyden ashore. If he is to survive, he must quickly adapt to the relentless laws of the rough seafaring world. Faraway from home and virtually at Larsen’s mercy, van Weyden must face up to the challenge.

Unconcerned for his crew’s welfare, the captain savagely forces the ship through the ocean on the hunt for the seals. There exists no storm or sea battle that can stop the man. The slightest sign of resistance or laziness on the part of his crew is instantly and brutally crushed. One of Larsen’s favorite punishments is towing an offender behind the ship, a punishment they may - or may not survive…

Wolf Larsen, though, is soon to find van Weyden a difficult adversary. When after a storm they take aboard more shipwrecked people, among them the attractive poet Maud Brewster, an open rivalry breaks out between the two men. For van Weyden, Maud’s presence onboard represents a desperately needed element of humanity.

After spending time with her, his growing attraction to the woman prompts him to consider taking some kind of action against his antagonist, who is as well drawn to the good-looking poet. The dangerous situation rapidly escalates, and van Weyden and Maud decide to attempt a virtually impossible escape – reaching the distant coast of Japan in a small boat. Strengthened by their will to survive, the two defy both angry seas and Larsen’s pursuit and eventually beach on a desert island.

Although it is not Japan, it is still a temporary haven. They set up camp and explore the island, all the while growing even closer. Unfortunately, the enjoyment of their newfound intimacy is short-lived, because during their first night on the island, the badly damaged “Ghost” washes up on the beach. The crew has mutinied and abandoned ship. Only Larsen remains onboard – in chains. Finally, the last, decisive battle between the two men begins, a battle from which only one may emerge alive…

The Sea Wolf
Adventure
Miniseries, 2 x 90’
Directed by Christoph Schrewe
Starring Thomas Kretschmann, Florian Stetter, Petra Schmidt-Schaller, Henning Baum
Produced by Hofmann & Voges Entertainment GmbH for ProSieben in association with SevenOne International
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