A whodunnit with teeth.|Jun. 25, 2021|United States|97 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Horror
Description: Sam Richardson shines as Forest Ranger Finn in the horror-comedy “Werewolves Within” (2021), a film that blends humor with suspense. Known for his roles in “Veep” and “I Think You Should Leave,” Richardson brings charm and wit to the character of Finn, a polite and non-confrontational ranger who struggles to embrace his masculine side while navigating a peculiar small-town mystery.
Set in the snow-covered town of Beaverfield, the story begins with a mysterious attack near the Beaverfield Inn, where a man is brutally killed and dragged into the woods. A month later, Finn arrives in town, listening to self-affirmation audiobooks that encourage him to be more assertive. His peaceful demeanor is tested when he encounters Mr. Parker, a Midland Gas representative, whose disrespect for nature sparks Finn’s displeasure.
The film, directed by Josh Ruben and written by Mishna Wolff, reimagines the medieval setting of its video game origins into a modern-day story filled with Trump-era satire and nods to cult classics like “Phantoms.” Drawing comparisons to “The Lost Boys” and the live-action “Scooby-Doo” films, “Werewolves Within” alternates between hilarious moments and predictable character dynamics.
At its core, the film mirrors the social deduction game “Werewolf,” as the townspeople try to uncover the monster hidden among them. With its mix of humor, horror, and social commentary, “Werewolves Within” offers an entertaining yet uneven experience, highlighted by Richardson’s standout performance and Ruben’s quirky direction.
Cast director: Josh Ruben
Cast actor: Sam Richardson, Michael Chernus, Michaela Watkins, Cheyenne Jackson, Harvey Guillén, George Basil, Anni Krueger, Sarah Burns, Wayne Duvall, Catherine Curtin
Original name: Werewolves Within