Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: WEREWOLVES WITHIN [Tribeca Film Festival 2021 -Virtual]
The essence of comedy relies in the uniqueness of the characters but also in a sense of place. Horror works in exactly the same aspect. Even further video games do this, albeit in an even more immersive environment. That and sort of a puzzle board game mentality help buoy "Werewolves Within" [Spotlight Narrative/World Premiere], an indie horror adaptation of a Ubisoft video game. In doing it more bare-bones and not the big budget Hollywood route, this IP has retained its humor and its quirkiness. Key to this entire strain is the balance of Sam Richardson as the new forest ranger and Milana Vayntrub as the local post lady. Vayntrub has not gotten her full due yet but her style and comedy chops (like Aya Cash and even Kathryn Hahn) runs the level between vulnerable, snarky, smart and funny in a way that few can do. Many of her bits within scenes have an improv style to them (even when they are not). She is balanced by Richardson who plays his character with a relentless optimism that relays a certain point of view of the audience.
While the reveal is a long time coming, it is not completely abundantly clear which is a credit to Josh Ruben (who did a similar approach in "Scare Me" but here with more cinematic flair and more accessibility). And while the ending in many ways seems anti-climactic, it is the journey. While many of the other characters are caricatures, that makes their eventual paths all the more gratifying (though one comes off particularly abrupt). The film has an interesting almost "Northern Exposure" approach in its humor, both normal and heightened, dark but joyful in an odd way. The tone and lighting (as well as some great, hidden meaning 50s songs) give a sense of pace without overwhelming dread. "Werewolves Within" is a fun romp without propelling gross out tendencies making it more of a subjective B-movie entry that at times can be fun for everyone (though many F bombs do prevail). B+
By Tim Wassberg
