Review ‘Werewolves Within’: Crazy things happen when there’s a full moon
Werewolves Within debuted at Tribeca and is now in theaters, the film will head to VOD July 2. Spoilers Ahead!!
The horror-comedy is a sub-genre that when done right makes for an instant classic, most notably Shaun of the Dead, American Werewolf in London, Re-Animator, Return of the Living Dead to name a few. However, when done wrong, it can be a tough watch (you know what I’m talking about).
Director Josh Rubin attempted this with his shoestring budgeted directorial debut, Scare Me (now streaming on Shudder), to great critical success. For an encore he decided to take things a step further and drag us into the woods in the middle of nowhere with his Horror-Comedy-Mystery Werewolves Within, based on a videogame from Ubisoft and developed for the screen by screen writer Mishna Wolff.
Werewolves Within takes us to the quaint town of Beaverfield, as its about to go through some things. Due to an incident at his last post Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson) is taking over as the new Forest Ranger to oversee the installation of a pipeline that may or may not be in development soon. His arrival, during a full moon no less, has attracted the attention of the locals.
Another newcomer to the town, Mail Person Cecily (Milana Vayntrub) decides to show Finn around and introduce him to the colorful characters, and maybe fill him in on some of the juicier gossip behind closed doors. The chemistry of these two performers really pops on screen. The scenes when it’s just the two of them are some of my favorite moments. They really nail the dynamic of the meet cute, falling for one another but in a way that feels earned and honest.
Oil man Sam Parker (Wayne Duvall) is here to sell the residents on the notion that they need a pipeline here. He’s willing to pay a pretty penny to buy up the land to do just that. However not everyone is ready to cash out and here is where the tensions begin to boil. Jeanine (Catherine Curtin) is the local Hotel/ Inn owner who hasn’t been right since her husband ran off, but she does make a good sandwich.
Joaquim (Harvey Guillen) and Devon (Cheyenne Jackson) are married, rich and own/run the local yoga studio. They are against the pipeline completely. Trisha Anderton (Michaela Watkins) is obsessed with 3 things; her dog, her husband and the idea that she’ll own her own craft store as soon as the pipeline sale goes through. Her husband Pete (Michael Chernus) is the town creep who can’t seem to keep his hands to himself.
Then there is Gwen (Sarah Burns) and Marcus (George Basil) who easily steal every scene they’re in. They’re an over sexed, over drugged and complete wildcards who just happen to be the towns mechanics as well. Far off on the outskirts of town resides Emerson Flint (Glenn Fleshler) a recluse who keeps to himself and doesn’t take kindly to strangers on his land. Built like a bear and just as mean, the town has learned best just to leave him to himself.
In less than 24 hours after arriving to town, Ranger Finn finds that a snowstorm has taken out the power and blocked the only path out of town. Due to a mechanical part that hasn’t yet arrived, they can’t get their plow up and running to unblock the road leaving the residents trapped. To make matters worse all the generators have been destroyed by someone or something. But its not until a body is discovered mutilated under the hotel’s porch that the townsfolk realize that something sinister is a foot in Beaverfield, and the culprit just might be one of them. And possibly, a werewolf.
Opening with a Mr. Rodgers quote – backed by the most ominous music ever, which is a hilarious juxtaposition. It’s clear this is a story of community, more importantly neighbors, and the tragedy of how quickly they can turn on each other for reasons of politics, greed and fear.
The mystery aspect of the story is one that keeps you on your toes as there are reasons to suspect everyone in the town and there are red herrings around every corner. The dialogue is a razor sharp, rapid fire that is delivered pitch perfect by every cast member. My only complaint being, many of the scenes are group scenes where everyone is talking over each other, I feel you’ll have to watch this a few times to get all the jokes and quips as they tend to get lost in the commotion at times.
Josh Ruben really sells the paranoia and isolation of the group being trapped and fearing the unknown. This notion of mistrust and growing animosity toward one another brings flashbacks to The Thing. The comedic tone is very on par with the Cohen Brothers. There are some laugh out loud moments, but it’s the subtle throw away lines and moments that keep you chuckling throughout.
Werewolves Within is unique with its social commentary that fits right with today’s political climate, smart humor, engaging mystery and campfire horror blend that doesn’t overshadow either way to feel off balanced. I hope that this tale finds its audience and showcases the talent on both sides of the camera. It’s a real fun watch that will keep you waiting to see who will be showing their true self when the moon is full. 3.5/5
Werewolves Within starring Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus, Catherine Curtain, Wayne Duvall, Harvey Guillén, Rebecca Henderson, Cheyenne Jackson, Michaela Watkins and Glenn Fleshler is now showing in theaters and will be available on VOD July 2. Be sure to follow ScaryNerd for all things horror, sci-fi and more.
About Post Author
K.B. O’Neil is an artist, writer and musician living in Cincinnati, Ohio. He loves movies, books, video games, snuggling his two pups and all things Horror. When not working he can be found getting into adventures with his wife and their new daughter.
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