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| Images Courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment |
The werewolf film is perhaps one of the least
oversaturated horror genres, with precious few gems among the offerings that do
exist. Steven Miller's latest feature Werewolves is a loving
mashup of action, horror, and paranoia that embraces practical effects,
intriguing world building, and a Carpenter-esque ambiance.
One year prior, a "supermoon" event occurred and the moon came too close to Earth, triggering a Lycanthropic mutation in anyone who was exposed to moonlight. One year later, amidst the government desperately researching a cure and the world's population frantically preparing, the supermoon returns. This is a film that knows exactly what it is. Frank Grillo versus a legion of werewolves. If that is not enough, Matthew Kennedy’s script blends elements of The Purge and Resident Evil into the mix, creating B-Movie euphoria. One of the most interesting components is the humanity on display. The creatures are friends, family, neighbors, and children. While carnage does come, it is a welcome surprise at how many instances of mercy are attempted. The knowledge that the creature before you could be your significant other again if you survive the night immediately ups the ante.
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If there are complaints, it is that the story moves at a breakneck pace, never getting time to breathe, most likely due to budget constraints. The entire premise is unique and to have more time to exist in such a world would make an excellent sequel or long form series (One can hope). Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff's special effects are the centerpiece, and the iconic duo (from the Alien and Predator franchises) bring their horrific talents to the fore. As a result, other aspects of the story are pushed to the background and this may dissuade some, however, if exceptional creature effects and an Escape from New York vibe are attractive, Werewolves will not disappoint
Brandon Cox's lens flare infused cinematography is one of the strongest aspects, depicting a quasi-post-apocalyptic Florida as a place of neon-tinged streets that are juxtaposed against a new kind of suburbia, laden with jury rigged fortresses and lethal booby traps. Home invasion is a central theme, via the lens of IIfenesh Hadera's Zen embracement of violence in defense of her home and daughter. While Grillo and Katrina Law's dangerous sojourn is the heart of the narrative, Hadera's plight is the human aspect of the proceedings and it does not disappoint.
Now playing in theaters, Werewolves takes the traditional story and ups the stakes by an uncountable number. Its only limitation is its budget, constraining it to a taught 90 plus minutes. Ultimately this is a film that is crafted by a director, cast, and crew who clearly love the material and yield is a cult classic in the making, who, if successful could be the start of one of the most imaginative franchises in horror.
--Kyle Jonathan