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| Images Courtesy of Cranked Up Films |
Quinn Armstrong's second entry into his Fresh Hell horror anthology is an interesting foray into the psychology of codependence that is symbolized via a Neo-Nazi heavy metal band. Blending themes of toxicity, abhorrent ideologies, and primal rituals, Wolves Against the World once again demonstrates that Armstrong and his crew have a talent for maximizing shoestring budgets and using horror as a vehicle for social commentary.
A former Neo-Nazi musician reunites with his former bandmate in the wake of their friend's suicide, intent on extracting a debt. What follows is a duel of philosophy and an exploration of how those we choose to be friends with ultimately end up defining us, sometimes in the most violent and cruel ways imaginable. Armstrong's script mirrors The Exorcism of Saint Patrick in that this is yet again a two-character battle of wits and words in a singular, rustic location. For the first two thirds of the film, dialogue is the meat as Michael Kuniki's remorseful Louis faces off against Armstrong's Cult Messiah Anders. This is not only the heart’s blood of the narrative, it is also an impressive display of chemistry and acting, as the two men emulate a dark symbiosis between them: They both desperately want to escape one another, but also cannot break the chains of the past.
Sydney Lawson's bleak cinematography captures the Ohio wilderness with natural lighting that juxtaposes the inherent darkness of Anders and his ilk. The scenes between Louis and Anders prior to the final act are shot with an unobtrusive style, giving the viewer a sense of eavesdropping on an intimate friendship, with bereavement draped over everything and everyone, as if Louis’ entire existence is a dreamlike trance.
The final piece is Gary Jones’ visual effects, allowing
for some gory and wicked transformations that symbolize the horrific creed that
ignorance of hate adheres to. When the blood begins to flow and the
confines of reality give way to a surreal, apocalyptic ritual is when the film
is at its best, with Armstrong himself clearly having a blast.
Now playing in select theaters and available for digital rental, Wolves
Against the World is a solid horror film that overcomes expected indie
cliches by presenting a story about real life monsters filtered through a
lycanthropic chamber piece. The central performances and above-board
visuals meld to deliver a cautionary tale of indoctrination and evil that
lingers in the mind's eye long after the credits have rolled.
--Kyle Jonathan