Danielle Solzman
Werewolves Within is a whodunit horror-comedy set in a small town and this film is just as hysterical, albeit scarier, as Knives Out.
“Listening is where love begins. Listening to ourselves and then our neighbors.” – Mr. Rogers
A Fred Rogers quote probably isn’t the first thing one would think of when it comes to this film. But as far as on-screen quotes go, it’s not as way out there as one would think. That being said, I do love how they arrange the score for when the quote appears on screen. It’s how you know you’re going to be in for quite the ride!
Here’s what you need to know about the film: a proposed pipeline has divided the small town of Beaverfield. Unfortunately, a snowstorm manages to trap people inside an inn while there’s a mysterious creature that is on the loose. Nobody knows exactly what it is. Could it be a coyote or dare we even say a werewolf? Anyway, Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson) and Cecily Moore (Milana Vayntrub) are new to town as a forest ranger and postal worker, respectively. They’ve taken it upon themselves to get to the bottom of it. If you’ve ever seen a whodunit, you already know this is easier said than done.
To say that Werewolves Within has quite the cast would not be an understatement. I’ve been saying that Sam Richardson is going to be a star ever since he was on the Second City Mainstage in Chicago. The comedian has crushed it over the years and even in an ensemble film, he proves himself to be leading man material on screen. If this film does serve as your introduction to Richardson, you’re in for a fun ride. But seriously though, please check out some of his other work! My advice to filmmakers and casting directors out there is to please cast Sam Richardson in more leading roles.
Richardson certainly is not the only star in this film. There are so many other talented comedians and actors in the cast. Everyone brings to their own quirks to the picture especially Catherine Curtin and Glenn Fleshler. Again, it’s an ensemble piece at the end of the day. I love what they all bring to the film.
In terms of the horror portion of the film, there are bits and pieces scattered throughout. But it’s not really the scary time–at least not until maybe the film’s final ten minutes. Trust me, this film runs more to the comedy side of things. I’m not a fan of horror so if I didn’t think I could handle it, I wouldn’t have watched.
Werewolves Within takes the whodunit up a notch while adding a few bites.
DIRECTOR: Josh Ruben
SCREENWRITER: Mishna Wolff
CAST: Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, George Basil, Sarah Burns, Michael Chernus, Catherine Curtin, Wayne Duvall, Harvey Guillén, Rebecca Henderson, Cheyenne Jackson, Michaela Watkins, and Glenn Fleshler
