By: Andrew Wing, Contributing Writer
Werewolves Within is a 2021 comedy horror film directed by Josh Ruben from a screenplay that was written by Mishna Wolff. As it turns out, the movie is actually based on the video game of the same name that came out in 2016 from Red Storm Entertainment. The success of the video game ultimately led to Ubisoft Motion Pictures signing on to produce a film of it in late 2018.
The story follows forest ranger Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson) who recently got assigned to patrol a small town, Beaverfield. Wheeler quickly realizes he must keep the peace between the residents of Beaverfield as they are all currently divided over the potential sale to businessman Sam Parker (Wayne Duvall), who hopes to build a massive pipeline that will run right through town. But after a snowstorm confines all the townspeople to an old lodge, joined with a mysterious creature terrorizing the group, their darkest secrets rise to the surface and it is up to the ranger to keep the residents alive, both from each other and the monster that is hunting them.
Werewolves Within stars Sam Richardson (Veep, Detroiters, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates), Milana Vayntrub (who actually is most-known for starring in AT&T television commercials), Wayne Duvall, Catherine Curtin (Orange Is The New Black, Stranger Things), Michaela Watkins (Casual, Wanderlust), George Basil, Sarah Burns (Enlightened), Michael Chernus (Orange Is The New Black), Cheyenne Jackson (United 93, American Horror Story), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), and Glenn Fleshler (Boardwalk Empire, True Detective).
THE GOOD
When it comes to the horror comedy genre, it really is hit or miss what you are going to get. We have had some classics over the years in Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland, but there is no denying that we have also had some stinkers with movies like Leprechaun and basically every Tremors movie other than the original. With Werewolves Within in my opinion, I think we got a hit. The thing I found most special about this movie was just how well it offers equal helpings of both horror and comedy that results in a very solid film that is a lot of fun to watch. There were obviously so many scenes that had me laughing out loud throughout the 90 minute duration of the movie, but there were also a fair share of jump scares that startled me too.
Speaking of genres, Werewolves Within also has many mystery elements throughout the film due to the “whodunnit” story it is telling, and they do a great job by keeping you guessing at who the unknown assailant is right up until the very end. I mention that because with so many horror movies in the past, we can quickly tell who the “killer” is halfway throughout and that definitely takes the fun suspense out of watching it. The not-knowing factor can definitely be attributed to the great script written by Mishna Wolff, and the wonderful direction from newcomer Josh Ruben and I can’t wait to see what they both put out next.
Now, for what we’ve all been waiting for, the main reason why I enjoyed this movie so much is none other than the lead actor himself, Sam Richardson. To put it frankly, Richardson absolutely killed this role. Richardson has always been known as an accomplished comic actor over the past decade, but with his performance in this, as well as in The Tomorrow War, which Ted recently reviewed, he may be getting closer to just being referred to as an accomplished ACTOR. He was just fantastic from his first scene to his last as he provided so many laughs along the way. I mean there was just something funny about a peaceful forest ranger being a complete badass with an axe when it came to finding and killing a werewolf that has been terrorizing a small town. Also worth mentioning, his chemistry with Milana Vayntrub throughout was about as good as it gets, and I would love to see the two co-star in another comedy somewhere down the road.
THE BAD
Before getting into the nitty-gritty about what I did not like about the film, it is important to note that we all have a different sense of humor, and when dealing with horror/dark comedies like Werewolves Within, there is a chance you may not find it as funny as I did. With that said, there were definitely a good number of jokes that just didn’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong, there were more pros than cons when it came to the comedy aspect, but I would be lying if I said there weren’t some stinkers in the movie.
To continue, some of the characters were just a little bit too much for me, and it seemed like they were just trying too hard to make you laugh at some points. Also, because the supporting characters are a bit silly, it was hard to become invested in whether or not they met their demise. That led to it sometimes feeling like there was just an overall lack of urgency or danger at important moments in the film, which is something you don’t want with a horror movie, even if it is a horror comedy.
Lastly, and this really isn’t a bad thing at all, but the film itself reminded me a lot of the 1985 black comedy mystery film Clue, directed by Jonathan Lynn and starring Tim Curry, but just with this film, it adds werewolves. But hey, Clue has developed a considerable cult following years after its release, and I could certainly see the same thing happening with Werewolves Within which would be a great success.
THE VERDICT
With a breakout performance from Sam Richardson, Werewolves Within brings together two of the best genres of film in comedy and horror as it tells the story of forest ranger Finn Wheeler. A simple man who must find out who - or what - has been terrorizing the residents of the small town of Beaverfield and how to stop it.
TED TAKES RATING - 8/10
Werewolves Within is now available VOD for rental and purchase. Check out the latest trailer below.