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Horripilations Review of Werewolves Within (2021)

Werewolves Within: A Movie Review

Synopsis:

"Werewolves Within," directed by Josh Ruben, is a horror-comedy film that is a delightful blend of suspense, humour, and social commentary. The movie is set in the small, snowy town of Beaverfield, where an uneasy tension arises among the townsfolk when a snowstorm causes them to become trapped in the local inn. The narrative kicks off with the arrival of new Forest Ranger Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson), who aims to bring peace and order back to the community. However, Beaverfield soon spirals into chaos when a mysterious creature begins to pick off locals one by one.

As paranoia grows within the group, suspicions flare, leading to a very human condition—a tendency to turn on one another. With a quirky ensemble cast that includes curious town characters, Finn must figure out the truth behind the unseen monster before it gets them all, revealing more about human nature than one might expect from a creature feature. The film cleverly weaves humour with horror while keeping the audience engaged in a whodunit-style mystery.

Cast:

  • Sam Richardson as Finn Wheeler
  • Milana Vayntrub as Cecily Moore
  • Catherine Guitard as Trisha
  • Michael Chernus as Pete
  • Wayne Duvall as the Mayor
  • Cheyenne Jackson as Paul
  • Glenn Fleshler as the local butcher, Ted
  • Mikayla($" atette as the postman, a pivotal character in unraveling the chaos
  • Jade Wu as the fire chief,
  • Rico E. Anderson as the eccentric conspiracy theorist
  • George Basil as the obnoxious social media influencer
  • Harvey Guillen as the shadowy town outsider

Review:

"Werewolves Within" is a refreshing take on the horror genre that doesn’t just rest on its monster antics but interweaves human relationships and social dynamics against the backdrop of a creature feature. The narrative provides plenty of unexpected twists, often jerking the story in directions that keep viewers guessing and engaged. The film is built on the premise that the real monster might just be among us, a theme that echoes in many contemporary horror films but does so with a clever and comedic twist.

At the heart of the film is Sam Richardson as Finn, who brings a lovable naivety to the role. Finn is not your standard action hero; he embodies the everyman, thrust into a whirlwind of suspicion and danger. Richardson’s performance strikes a balance between humour and sincerity, allowing him to engage with both the comedic elements and the underlying tension.

Milana Vayntrub as Cecily Moore serves as Finn’s ally and co-lead, effectively balancing his character’s naïve earnestness with her strong, no-nonsense attitude. Their budding camaraderie provides a charming dynamic, which is palpable as they navigate the increasingly absurd situations presented throughout the film. The chemistry between the pair helps establish a relatable anchor point for the audience amidst the bedlam in Beaverfield.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, each bringing unique quirks and eccentricities that enrich the narrative. The film manages to give each character enough depth that their motivations and anxieties become a tapestry of suspicion and fear. Characters like the melodramatic mayor (Wayne Duvall) and the outlandish social media influencer (George Basil) reflect societal archetypes, making them both absurd and recognisable.

The settings enhance the film’s moody atmosphere, with the isolated inn surrounded by thick snow and unforgiving weather. The cinematography captures the claustrophobic closeness of the inn and the ominous nature of the forest, creating an effective contrast between the serene beauty of the snow-laden landscape and the turmoil brewing within its walls. This dichotomy serves to amplify the tension as the group spirals deeper into paranoia.

One of the most commendable aspects of "Werewolves Within" is its sharp writing. The screenplay, adapted from the video game of the same name, delivers witty banter and clever dialogue, ensuring that audiences remain entertained even during the darker moments. It excels at blending humour with elements of thrill, creating a sense of dread that doesn’t undermine the comedic undertone. The quips between characters provide a much-needed levity that prevents the plot from becoming too dark or grim.

Moreover, the film cleverly critiques social behaviour, particularly how fear can turn people against one another. The uptick in suspicion and tension among the townsfolk resonates with current socio-political climates, where divisions often arise due to misconceptions and fear. This meta-commentary adds an additional layer to what might otherwise be a straightforward horror-comedy.

The pacing of the film is another strong element. With a runtime of around 97 minutes, it briskly moves through the set-ups and revelations without feeling rushed. This taut pacing plays into the sense of urgency as characters try to decipher the beast amidst growing suspicion and dwindling trust. As the film progresses, the mounting chaos escalates in a way that feels organic, leading to an explosive finale full of unexpected turns and dark humour.

Despite its strengths, "Werewolves Within" does hit a few storytelling pitfalls. While the character development is strong, some may find that certain arcs could benefit from more depth. The stakes could feel slightly diluted at times, particularly with some characters who may feel more like caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. However, these minor issues do not derail the overall enjoyment of the film.

To conclude, "Werewolves Within" is a captivating blend of humour, horror, and social commentary that triumphs through its clever writing, engaging performances, and charismatic direction. It is not merely a creature feature but a poignant examination of human behaviour under duress. The film successfully keeps viewers entertained while making them consider the complexities of fear, trust, and the inherent absurdity of human nature. It lands comfortably on the spectrum of enjoyable horror-comedies, balancing laughs with spine-tingling suspense.

Score: 8/10

"Werewolves Within" is a cleverly crafted film that offers a humorous yet thrilling insight into the human psyche, proving that sometimes the most terrifying monster is indeed our own fears and misconceptions.

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