They come from different continents and struggle to survive backstage, working tirelessly in their discipline, living intimately with danger, and appearing behind costumes and smiles on stage: the tamers of wild animals. An unusual way of life and a misunderstood art working with lions and bears for the pleasure of the public.

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Fascinated since childhood by tamers, director Anka Schmid goes behind the scenes of the not very noble circus image to unravel the mystery of its protagonists. By filming the silent communication, the blind trust, and the intangible but deeply touching link between woman and beast, Wild Women: Gentle Beasts shows the reality of a misunderstood profession, particularly thanks to the sometimes surprising confessions made by these women of character. Although it is a pity that the film does not question at any time the sad and absurd aspect of these beasts in cages and bears dressed a skirts, Schmid reveals with great sensitivity the quasi maternal link between the tamers and these large animals.