Leave it to a modest VR game to finally deliver a stellar video game film. Werewolves Within is a comedy-horror whodunnit that’s really all about being a good and bad neighbor.
Werewolves Within feels like an Edgar Wright film in the best way possible. Director Josh Ruben takes his time to deploy the comedy, but once the zingers start flying it pays dividends. Careful attention to detail is taken on all of the horror elements. Aided by Anna Drubich‘s string-heavy score, the film has the right amount of attention.
Sam Richardson and Milana Vayntrub are fantastic in the lead roles. Richardson does a great job playing Ranger Finn Wheeler. A man who very well might be the nicest guy in the world. In what should be a breakout performance, Vayntrub excels as Cecily Moore, a quippy mail carrier and a perfect match for Wheeler. Cecily introduces Wheeler to Beaverton. A town featuring the absolute worst neighbors you can imagine.
Michaela Watkins, Catherine Curtin, Wayne Duvall and Harvey Guillén are given ample room to shine thanks to Mishna Wolff‘s politically and socially tinged script.
The only issue with the film is the identity of the werewolf everyone is searching for is predictable from the start.
With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the whodunnit comedy’s story. Werewolves Within is available to rent for $6.99 via VOD.
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Ranger Finn aka the Nicest Man in the World is On The Case
Finn is the type of person who is nice to a fault. The type of kindness people takes advantage of. He takes on a ranger assignment overseeing the construction of an oil pipeline in Beaverfield, Vermont. Richardson is so utterly charming in this role it’s crazy.
Adding to the adorable ranger is the sweet mail carrier, Cecily Moore. She serves as Finn’s tour guide through the town of Beaverfield. Cecily and Finn quickly take a liking to each other. Vayntrub’s comedic timing and facial expressions result in a star-making performance. Richardson and Vayntrub are terrific in every scene together. These two are the seemingly only sane people in this town. There’s an amazing monologue by Finn in the 3rd act that really captures the power of being a nice person.
When pets and people start showing up dead or missing, Finn and Cecily start investigating.
Please Don’t Be my Neighbor
Wolff’s script delves into social and political commentary through these insane characters.
Jeanine, played by Curtin, runs the local inn and is a little down due to her husband’s sudden departure. Finn and Cecily currently reside at the inn, but when the power is cut, all of the residents converge on the inn.
Sam Parker, played by Wayne Duvall, is the oil tycoon responsible for the pipeline. He serves as the grenade that ignites the tension within the town. The town is divided between those who support the pipeline and those who oppose it. Trish and Pete Anderton are the over-the-top conservatives. They are in full support of the pipeline and have serious issues with the owners of the local yoga studio. Watkins is deliciously evil as Trish and Michael Chernis as Pete will make you cringe throughout the film. Cheyenne Jackson and Harvey Guillén are fantastic as Devon and Joachim Wolfson . They are the power couple who owns the yoga studio in town.
Rounding out the residents is a trio of weirdos. Gen and Marcus are a married couple who run the local auto repair shop. These two have some of the best jokes in the film. Emerson Flint lives on the outskirts of town. He hates everyone in town. Just in case people forget, he places signs all around his property to prevent trespassing. He’s so far out of civilization, he’s never heard of Mr. Rogers. The amount of time Mr. Roges is mentioned is staggering and fits the overall vibe of being a good neighbor.
The Mystery in Werewolves Within
The final member of the ensemble is Dr. Jane Ellis, played to high strung perfection by Rebecca Henderson. She’s the one most opposed to the pipeline. Dr. Ellis is the one to sound the alarm regarding werewolves. The way Henderson says the word “lycanthrope” is etched in my memory.
The investigation into who or what is doing the killing is the least interesting aspect of Werewolves Within. There are some strong moments here and there especially when it comes to building tension. The reveal of the killer is never in doubt.
However, the way the 3rd act devolves into complete and utter chaos makes up for the predictable killer. In addition to Richardson’s monologue, Vayntrub has a great 3rd act monologue too. Cecily takes casual misogyny to task in an at times, hilarious and prescient diatribe.
Werewolves Within Final Thoughtsr
Ruben and Wolff utilize a game cast to deliver a great video game adaptation. Another writer and director might have taken a more serious tone. Thankfully, Werewolves Within takes the more comedic approach with a sniper-like focus on political and social commentary.
Werewolves Within had me from the opening Mr. Rogers quote to the very end. The batshit crazy 3rd act is perfect. The jokes and scares hit for the most part, but even when they don’t, Richardson and Vayntrub are a comedic twosome too wholesome to resist.
The Review
Werewolves Within
PROS
- Milana Vayntrub and Sam Richardson are outstanding in what should be star making performances for both actors.
- The game supporting cast excels in an insane 3rd act, which helps the film go out with a bang.
- Josh Ruben does a great job with the limited budget. He's equally adept at pulling out the comedy and horror in each scene.
- Really strong political and social commentary woven into Mishna Wolff's terrific script.
CONS
- The mystery killer is predictable.
