Okay, I never played the video game Werewolves Within is based on. In fact, I didn't know it was a video game until I started researching for this review. Though the idea remains the same, the setting in the movie has been updated to a small town in the middle of nowhere, USA, rather than a fantasy medieval town. An understandable decision, as, no matter how interesting a more Gothic-style setting might have looked, I suspect it wouldn't be possible on the film's budget. Which is too bad, as I think the cast would deliver a fun Gothic horror comedy as effortlessly as they do with a more modern setting. Still, it's a fun film to kick back and watch, though not the instant classic some critics claim.
The film opens with the killing of a man by an off screen assailant. Now, if you're quick enough, you might notice some details that give away the big reveal. But don't worry. In this instance, it's the journey, not the destination, that's the point.
After the title card, the film skips ahead 31 days earlier (oh, it means it was a full moon) as new forest ranger Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson, Hocus Pocus 2) arrives in the small town of Beaverfield, where he's been stationed. Finn took the assignment hoping to patch things up with his girlfriend by giving the some time apart, though it's pretty obvious that's not happening.
He meets up with mail carrier Cecily Moore (Milana Vayntrub, the voice of Squirrel Girl in the Marvel Rising series), who fills him in the controversial pipeline being backed by businessman Sam Parker (Wayne Duvall, A Quiet Place Part II). His support include the construction of a phallic shaped, flame-spewing monstrosity on his front lawn. Call it Chekhov's propane tanks.
Because once you see it, you know it'll explode at some point. Just too obvious.
Anyway, Cecily introduces Finn to the rest of the town's quirky residents, before taking him to the local bar. It's pretty obvious the two have some chemistry, as Cecily teaches him to throw an axe (just consider it a more lethal form of darts) before the two come close to kissing. But Finn blows the moment by taking a phone call from his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend.
Something tells me those are Chekhov brand axes. And dude, she's adorable and teaching you to throw an axe. Why did you answer the phone?
That night, a blizzard takes out the power lines and the only road out of town, a dog is killed by an unseen creature, and Finn discovers Beaverfield's backup generators have been ripped open by what appears to be some very sharp claws. As the residents take refuge in the local lodge, the body of the man killed a month earlier is discovered and soon, everyone realizes someone, or something, in the lodge is out to get them.
As expected, mayhem ensues.
The film is a lot of fun. Though the script wrote a few of the characters as too quirky, the cast does a great job at making them believable. Richardson and Vayntrub are terrific, and the chemistry between them makes their quick turn into a potential couple feel plausible. And, though we know a werewolf will show up at some point, the film manages to provide enough red herrings that will keep you guessing who it is, or even if someone is just pretending to be a werewolf. Yep, at one point towards the climax, I actually wondered if the mythical monster was just a human in disguise and wondering how the script would be able to explain that reveal.
Even though most of the first act involves these two walking around town, I would have watched more of it. They are THAT good.
Writer Mishna Wolff (no, I'm not making that up) delivers a strong script for her first writing credit, though that might explain why some of the characters feel a bit too quirky. I used that word again, I know, but it really fits. However, Wolff does provide the cast some snappy dialog, allowing the actors enough to get the audience invested in them. I can't wait for Wolff's next script, and I hope she stays in the horror comedy genre, as she doesn't rely on the broad humor and gore gags that are a staple of so many films like this. It's a refreshing touch.
Director Josh Ruben (Scare Me) does a great job as well. One feels he knew he'd assembled the right cast, and he just let them work while he filmed them. I mean that as a compliment, as he doesn't have to rely on tricky camera work or editing. He's comfortable with long shots, allowing the actors to bring the characters to life. He also knows when to pick up the pace, leading to a very satisfying third act.
It's a fun little film, but I suggest you temper your expectations before watching it. I know a lot of critics are calling it an instant classic, a worthy successor to An American Werewolf in London, and so on. And while I agree the film earns the high ratings it has on several sites, it's not any of the things some critics are trying to force upon it. It's just an enjoyable little flick, with great performances and fun dialog. While it's light on the scares and gore (the film JUST manages to earn its R-rating), and might not have you laughing out loud, Werewolves Within is the perfect film to watch when you just want to hit the couch, munch on some popcorn, and have a good time. And honestly, we need more films like this now.
It's the perfect movie night film. Just don't make it a sleepover with guns. That never ends well.
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