As a horror enthusiast with a soft spot for practical effects and a deep appreciation for the work of director Steven C. Miller, I must say that “Werewolves” is right up my alley. Having grown up on ’80s horror movies, it’s heartening to see modern films like this one paying homage to the genre’s roots while also injecting a fresh dose of adrenaline and suspense.
In the movie titled “Werewolves,” director Steven C. Miller offers an uninterrupted rollercoaster ride of action and horror set over one chilling night filled with relentless terror. It’s the kind of retro ’80s-style horror that enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating. Fangs are bared, claws slice viciously, and blood is shed freely. Despite a few detours, this film proves to be an entertainingly eerie watch, characterized by its traditional horror aesthetic, skillful application of practical effects, and a tense narrative rich in action that keeps viewers hooked on the unfolding drama.
A year ago, a supermoon caused many individuals to become werewolves. This wasn’t an isolated incident; everyone remains at risk as we approach the same time again. It appears that the supermoon activated a dormant gene in every human on Earth, meaning that anyone exposed to moonlight during that period will transform into a werewolf once more. The initial event caused widespread chaos, and nearly a billion people lost their lives. To prevent history from repeating itself, officials are taking necessary precautions now.
Introducing Wesley Marshall, portrayed by Frank Grillo in his peak alpha male form from ‘The Purge’. Marshall is a scientist with a military background who previously specialized in biology. After investigating the effects of a supermoon, he and a group of scientists race against time to develop a cure to prevent another night of chaos. As the clock ticks down, people start transforming into colossal beasts, adding an element of excitement to the story. Director Miller skillfully interprets Matthew Kennedy’s script (known for ‘Inheritance’ and ‘Canary Black’) and collaborates with Oscar-nominated Alec Gillis (famous for his work on the ‘Alien’ and ‘Predator’ franchises), a master of practical effects, to deliver some truly terrifying jump scares that have left us on edge.
Steven C. Miller Taps into Our Love of Werewolves
The appeal of werewolf movies as a genre is evident in the creation of some of the most impactful horror/sci-fi films ever made, ranging from Lon Chaney Jr.’s iconic 1941 film, “The Wolf Man,” to Oliver Reed’s acclaimed Hammer film, “The Curse of the Werewolf,” two decades later. Back in the 70s and 80s, moviegoers developed a keen interest in werewolf movies, with films like “An American Werewolf in London” (1981) captivating audiences with its blend of humor and horror. This film, along with Joe Dante’s “The Howling,” also released in 1981, have since become staples or benchmarks for werewolf movies.
In its own right, “Werewolves” exhibits a distinct individuality yet bears reminiscences of other films, with an undeniable 1980s horror movie ambiance, given that director Steven C. Miller self-identifies as an ’80s child, having launched his career with the grisly “Automation Transfusion.” Subsequently, he directed the hit “Silent Night,” and in “Werewolves” demonstrates a heightened level of cinematic maturity. Right from the start, the film sets a tense atmosphere; the audience senses impending danger. The movie seldom slackens as it guides us through a chaotic and bloody night, with Frank Grillo’s character Wesley Marshall struggling to save lives and safeguard his niece (Kamdynn Gary) and sister.
In this film, Lou Diamond Phillips plays Dr. Aranda, a man grappling with research findings and the grim future they foretell for everyone. Or perhaps not, as Frank Grillo’s character Wesley Marshall might just be our savior. After all, he was specifically chosen for his role because… well, it’s Frank Grillo! However, the script gives a surprising twist to his tough-guy persona. This movie titled “Werewolves” is a rollercoaster of fun and even throws in some jokes for good measure. During one intense scene, a werewolf hunter exclaims, “Bite me,” which is both classic and potentially groan-worthy. The film also presents some unexpected takes on the werewolf genre that are both amusing and creative.
Action-Packed from Beginning to End
Under the radiant glow of the latest supermoon, an extraordinary transformation takes place, turning ordinary people into werewolves who unleash chaos. At first, these tense encounters seem to dance around the action, as if the director is saving the best for later and keeping us on our toes. As the story unfolds, more of these monstrous figures emerge, towering over humans, cars, fences, and anything else that crosses their path. In a familiar narrative twist, Grillo’s character, Marshall, focuses on ensuring the safety of his niece and sister, a subplot that follows the typical formula of family-centric films.
The heart of the story about Werewolves becomes increasingly tense and thrilling when Marshall and his team pursue lethal werewolf creatures. For those curious about how the transformation from human to wolf is portrayed, fear not, as the intense sequences are sure to meet horror enthusiasts’ expectations. Moreover, each significant werewolf retains a touch of their human characteristics, lending these full-moon monsters a distinctive appearance and further showcasing Alec Gillis’s practical effects team, who undoubtedly put in extra hours to achieve this. This individualized look also imparts the film with a hint of a zombie-like atmosphere since these beasts are indeed human beings.
In a recent interview with MovieWeb, Frank Grillo himself described the upcoming movie as having elements reminiscent of both “The Purge” and “The Howling.” The narrative shares a common theme: when an ominous nighttime occurrence endangers humanity, who will survive? However, similar to some “Purge” films, this movie struggles with one-dimensional characters due to its focus on fast-paced action rather than character development. This approach works up to a point, but it leaves the film feeling somewhat empty at its core.
A Great Pairing of Director Steven C. Miller and Frank Grillo
Still, the teaming of Steven C. Miller and Frank Grillo pays off. Miller continues to rise higher as a filmmaker and Grillo is a sought-after talent these days — the man is set to reprise his role as Rick Flag in the DCU’s Creature Commandos, premiering on Max this month. Look for him and his character to grace the screen in 2025’s Superman. Kind of like a gruffer, more action-oriented Bruce Campbell, Grillo works very well within the realms of genre films, so his team-up with Miller is a great idea. Let’s see more projects with them, please.
In the interim, the movie “Werewolves” is an overall blast, with unexpected turns and thrilling action sequences. Pay attention to the supporting cast, which includes three prominent female characters (Katrina Law, Kamdynn Gary, Ilfenesh Hadera), who also join in the action. This isn’t something you would usually find in an ’80s horror film, but it adds a fresh touch, even if these characters aren’t overly developed. Therefore, get comfortable. “Werewolves”, produced by Briarcliff Entertainment, hits theaters on Dec 6.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-05 22:33