The Company of Wolves Rivals Ginger Snaps as an All-Timer Werewolf Movie

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As a cinephile who has had the pleasure of witnessing numerous horror and coming-of-age films, I must say that both Ginger Snaps and The Company of Wolves have left an indelible mark on my cinematic journey. They are not just rivals in terms of genre but also in their thoughtful exploration of female puberty, male aggression, and the subversion of traditional werewolf tropes.

Navigating life’s complexities, figuring things out, and understanding change can be a challenging and sometimes terrifying journey. The uneasy apprehension of our formative years has often been linked to the horror genre as a means to express and understand real-life challenges. Merging these genres has indeed proven to be a winning combination. From the chilling ‘Teeth’ (2007) to the widely acclaimed ‘The Craft’ (1996), coming-of-age horror films have earned a dedicated fan base.

Yet one dark take on the coming-of-age genre is often touted as the best: John Fawcett’s Ginger Snaps. Combining lycanthropic terrors with navigating the informative years certainly proved to be an insightful take on the genre, but there is one movie that did the same thing decades before. The Company of Wolves (1984) is often overlooked, but it is on par with Ginger Snaps and shares enough similarities that fans should be howling at the chance to check out the dark fantasy gem themselves.

The Company of Wolves Re-imagines Little Red Riding Hood

The narrative of “The Company of Wolves” predominantly revolves around a 18th-century girl named Rosaleen. Following an attack by wolves that claims her sister’s life, she seeks refuge with her grandmother, who shares chilling tales of werewolves and advises young women to be cautious about men whose eyebrows meet. On her journey to see her grandmother, she encounters a captivating huntsman, unaware that he is actually a werewolf in disguise. Upon arriving at her grandmother’s, this same huntsman violently escorts Rosaleen and attempts to conceal himself, hoping to catch the eye of the girl who finds him charming at their initial encounter.

People claim that the Prince of Darkness is a well-mannered man. Indeed, they are correct; he truly is a refined gentleman.

In the realm of cinematic experiences, I, as a movie enthusiast, found that the intricate subplots in “The Company of Wolves” – the ominous wedding festivities, the turmoil of a pregnant woman, and the hardships of a wounded wolf – all serve to weave an immersive tapestry of werewolf lore. Yet, it’s the primary narrative that captivates me most, offering a chilling reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood steeped in dark fantasy. This tale serves as a poignant metaphor for a young girl’s journey into womanhood. The film cleverly uses recurring motifs such as the full moon and the color red to symbolize various stages of maturity, from menstruation to temptation to sexual awakening, within the character of Rosaleen.

The pack of wolves has been commended for its sensitive portrayal in the maturation genre. By empowering Rosaleen and allowing her to control her own body and decisions, it delves deep into gender norms of the time, offering an unflinching and intricate examination of a woman’s journey towards understanding her sexuality.

The movie titled “The Company of Wolves” is a cinematic interpretation of a short story by Angela Carter with the same title, which was initially published in 1978 within her novel “The Bloody Chamber”. In this adaptation, director Neil Jordan maintained the original themes while crafting a contemporary feminist spin on Red Riding Hood, infusing it with a dark-gothic aesthetic. Notably, this film marks Neil Jordan’s second feature production, following which he produced the ’90s classics “Interview with the Vampire” and “The Crying Game”. In “The Company of Wolves”, Sarah Patterson plays Rosaleen, while Angela Lansbury takes on the iconic role of Granny, and David Warner appears as “Father.

The Company of Wolves Rivals Ginger Snaps

According to Rotten Tomatoes, there’s not much difference between the two movies when it comes to their scores. Ginger Snaps, with a 90% critic score and 78% audience rating, is slightly ahead of The Company of Wolves, which has an 83% critic score and 73% audience rating. Both films have garnered critical acclaim for their unique take on the coming-of-age horror genre, particularly their exploration of female puberty and feminist themes. Moreover, both movies are recognized as influential in their respective genres: The Company of Wolves for reinterpreting classic fairy tales with a mature twist, and Ginger Snaps as an early example of what Molly Henery called “Uterus Horror.

“You love it. Should come for the ride. A little scratch. Swap some juice. We’ll be our own pack, like before. It’s so ‘us’ B.” Ginger in Ginger Snaps

Praise, impact, and recognition for Ginger Snaps and The Company of Wolves have been equally bestowed. These films excel at employing werewolf transformations as a symbol for adolescent sexuality, casting light on male aggression, and innovatively redefining traditional werewolf themes to produce unique contributions to the genre. The shared techniques used and their effective handling of the subject matter position Ginger Snaps and The Company of Wolves as formidable competitors in the realm of dark-themed coming-of-age movies crafted with exceptional skill.

Why You Need to Watch The Company of Wolves

In two distinct films, “Ginger Snaps” leans more toward fantasy while “The Company of Wolves” delves deeper into horror. Yet, they share a common thread in their thoughtful and feminist exploration of adolescence, earning acclaim from viewers and critics. If you found the sibling dynamics in “Ginger Snaps,” particularly between Brigitte and Ginger, engaging, then chances are high that “The Company of Wolves” will strike a similar chord with you.

As a fan, I find that The Company of Wolves skillfully blends fantasy with a fresh take on timeless fairy tales, captivating audiences beyond the horror genre. Its innovative narrative structure might be slightly unconventional, but its universal themes and structure make it more appealing to a wider audience. Interestingly, both this film and another (unspecified title) share a unique place in the ‘werewolf coming-of-age’ movie micro-niche genre. Fortunately, you can easily enjoy The Company of Wolves for yourself as it is available for streaming on AMC+, Shudder, The Criterion Channel, Fandor, Fubo, and Prime.

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2024-10-13 00:33