Werewolves Review: A Purge-Inspired Supernatural Horror Brimming with Action and Fun

Werewolves offers a thrilling blend of supernatural horror and action, delivering high-stakes tension and gripping sequences. Drawing inspiration from The Purge, the movie mixes chaotic anarchy with the visceral terror of bloodthirsty werewolves. While it may not revolutionize the genre, Werewolves succeeds in providing an entertaining experience, packed with tension and excitement.

A World Transformed by Terror: The Plot of Werewolves

Set in a world forever altered by a cataclysmic event, Werewolves begins with a unique premise. A supermoon has transformed over a billion people into savage werewolves. One year later, as the supermoon returns, humanity braces for another night of carnage. This time, however, they have a plan to fight back.

At the heart of the story is Wesley Marshall, played by Frank Grillo, a determined leader seeking a cure while protecting his family. Grillo’s character anchors the film, making the unfolding chaos personal and relatable, ensuring audiences stay invested.

Action Meets Horror: Werewolves’ Purge-Like Elements

From the outset, Werewolves echoes The Purge in its setup. A single night of chaos, the absence of emergency services, and people transforming into primal threats are familiar elements. However, Werewolves takes a more literal approach, focusing on its supernatural twist. This decision, while entertaining, feels less innovative, as it primarily swaps one chaotic trope for another.

Yet, Werewolves sidesteps parody, offering a grounded take on the concept. The action sequences, enhanced by the supernatural elements, provide ample thrills, even if the narrative treads familiar ground.

Frank Grillo: The Driving Force of Werewolves

Frank Grillo elevates Werewolves with his compelling performance. Known for roles like Rick Flag Sr. in the DC Universe, Grillo embodies Wesley Marshall with equal parts intelligence and strength. A military man with a family to protect, Wesley is a protagonist that blends brawn and heart, making him both relatable and admirable.

Without Grillo’s portrayal, the film might have struggled to maintain its emotional depth. His ability to balance action-hero grit with vulnerable humanity ensures Werewolves stands out among similar indie productions.

Special Effects and Transformation Sequences

One of the film’s highlights is its depiction of werewolves. The transformation sequences are generally convincing, showcasing a mix of practical effects and CGI. While most scenes enhance the movie’s tension and immersion, a few moments falter due to inconsistent practical effects.

These minor missteps are forgivable, as the film’s overall visual aesthetic effectively captures the nightmarish world it aims to portray.

Matthew Kennedy’s First Supernatural Horror Outing

For writer-director Matthew Kennedy, Werewolves marks his third feature and his first foray into supernatural horror. The script leans into entertainment, delivering visually striking scenes and a coherent, engaging story.

While the dialogue occasionally veers into cheesiness and some character decisions lack logic, these flaws feel intentional—a homage to the beloved horror films of the 1980s. This nostalgic nod helps Werewolves strike a balance between tension and campy fun.

Supporting Cast Adds Depth

Beyond Grillo, the supporting cast enhances the movie’s emotional core. James Kyson, in particular, delivers a nuanced performance that adds unexpected layers to the story. These quieter moments of depth contrast effectively with the adrenaline-fueled action sequences, enriching the narrative without slowing it down.

Classic Horror Vibes with a Modern Twist

Werewolves doesn’t aspire to redefine the supernatural horror genre, but its blend of classic and modern sensibilities works in its favor. The film embraces its 1980s horror roots, featuring tense moments, well-timed jump scares, and an unapologetic embrace of familiar tropes.

Despite lacking groundbreaking creativity or large-scale ambition, Werewolves achieves its goal: delivering a fun, action-packed horror experience.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed, and Fierce Horror Experience

Werewolves succeeds as a solid supernatural horror that entertains despite its imperfections. Its strengths lie in its engaging story, thrilling action sequences, and Grillo’s standout performance. The movie doesn’t aim to outdo modern horror giants but carves out its niche with a retro flair and a focus on fun.

Though some effects and narrative elements fall short, the film’s energy and charm more than make up for it. Fans of horror-action hybrids and those nostalgic for 1980s-style scares will find plenty to enjoy.

Key Information About Werewolves

• Release Date: December 6
• Runtime: 94 minutes
• Rating: R (for violence, gore, and language)

Final Thoughts

Werewolves blends action and horror into a thrilling ride, paying homage to classic scares while offering modern entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural stories or looking for a fresh spin on The Purge-like chaos, this film is worth checking out.

Source: ScreenRant