Horror comedies are a tricky genre to pull off successfully, requiring a delicate balance between scares and laughs. Werewolves Within, directed by Josh Ruben and based on the Ubisoft video game of the same name, manages to nail that balance with a clever script, a charismatic cast, and a healthy dose of small-town charm. The result is a delightfully fun and surprisingly sharp comedy horror that keeps you guessing—and laughing—from beginning to end.
The Premise: Who’s the Werewolf?
Set in the snow-covered, remote town of Beaverfield, Werewolves Within begins as a whodunit with a supernatural twist. The story centers around Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson), a good-natured and somewhat naïve forest ranger, who arrives in town to start his new post. Shortly after his arrival, a blizzard traps the town’s eccentric residents in the local inn, where tensions begin to rise following the discovery of a gruesome death. Adding to the chaos, evidence points to a werewolf being among them, capable of blending seamlessly into human form.
What follows is a blend of Clue-style mystery, social satire, and creature-feature horror, as the townsfolk scramble to figure out who the werewolf is while their trust—and sanity—deteriorates.
A Script That Howls With Wit
Mishna Wolff’s screenplay is one of the film’s standout elements, packing snappy dialogue, clever humor, and just enough suspense to keep audiences engaged. Rather than leaning entirely on the werewolf premise, the film uses it as a backdrop for an insightful exploration of human nature, community, and the thin line between civility and chaos.
The humor ranges from quick one-liners to absurd situational comedy, often lampooning the archetypes found in small-town dramas. For instance, the tech-obsessed couple Pete (Michael Chernus) and Trisha (Michaela Watkins) deliver some of the film’s funniest moments with their petty squabbles and outlandish theories. Meanwhile, the gun-toting redneck Emerson (Glenn Fleshler) and the quirky innkeeper Jeanine (Catherine Curtin) add layers of comedic tension.
While the film leans heavily on humor, it doesn’t shy away from darker themes. It cleverly examines how fear can bring out the worst in people, with the werewolf acting as a metaphor for the distrust and paranoia that tears communities apart. This thematic depth elevates Werewolves Within beyond mere slapstick comedy into something more meaningful.
Sam Richardson Shines as Finn
Sam Richardson (Veep, Detroiters) is the heart of the film, delivering a performance that is equal parts hilarious and endearing. His portrayal of Finn as an overly polite, conflict-averse ranger makes him instantly likable, and his wide-eyed reactions to the escalating absurdity are a joy to watch. Richardson’s comedic timing is impeccable, and he grounds the film with an earnestness that prevents it from becoming too farcical.
Equally compelling is Milana Vayntrub (This Is Us, AT&T commercials) as Cecily, the town’s cheerful and slightly mischievous postal worker. Vayntrub brings a playful energy to the role, and her chemistry with Richardson is a highlight of the film. Their budding friendship—and potential romance—provides a sweet counterbalance to the chaos surrounding them.
The ensemble cast, though packed with exaggerated caricatures, delivers uniformly strong performances. Each character, from the wealthy but shady Sam Parker (Wayne Duvall) to the reclusive environmentalist Dr. Ellis (Rebecca Henderson), feels distinct and memorable. Their over-the-top personalities create a colorful tapestry of suspects, keeping the audience guessing—and laughing—as tensions rise.
Comedy Meets Horror: A Delicate Balance
Josh Ruben, who previously directed Scare Me (another comedy-horror hybrid), demonstrates a clear understanding of how to blend genres. Werewolves Within doesn’t try to scare the audience outright; instead, it uses the threat of the werewolf to build tension and create opportunities for humor. The film’s best comedic moments often arise from the characters’ reactions to the horror rather than the horror itself.
That’s not to say the film lacks in frights. Ruben expertly builds suspense, particularly in the moments leading up to a kill. The snowy, claustrophobic setting of Beaverfield adds to the atmosphere, and the use of shadows and sound design keeps the werewolf’s presence menacing even when it’s offscreen. The eventual reveals are satisfying, striking a good balance between the grotesque and the absurd.
The film’s tone is lighthearted but never dismissive of its horror roots. It embraces the ridiculousness of the premise without turning it into a parody, allowing the scares to coexist with the laughs. This tonal balance is one of the film’s greatest achievements, making it accessible to both horror fans and casual viewers who might be more interested in the comedy.
A Town Full of Eccentric Suspects
One of the joys of Werewolves Within is its colorful cast of characters. Each resident of Beaverfield is a suspect, and their quirks and interpersonal conflicts add layers of intrigue and comedy to the story. For example:
- Trisha and Pete Anderton: The bickering couple obsessed with online culture and conspiracy theories provides endless laughs, particularly when their paranoia spirals out of control.
- Gwen and Marcus: The crude, perpetually arguing mechanics deliver some of the film’s sharpest barbs, with their chaotic energy bringing a sense of unpredictability to every scene they’re in.
- Sam Parker: As the shady businessman pushing for a controversial pipeline project, Parker becomes a lightning rod for the town’s divisions, adding a layer of political satire to the proceedings.
- Jeanine Sherman: The innkeeper’s passive-aggressive demeanor and barely concealed resentment create comedic gold, particularly in her interactions with Finn.
These characters, while exaggerated, feel grounded enough to be relatable. Their clashing personalities and hidden agendas add depth to the mystery, ensuring that the film’s whodunit aspect remains engaging even as the comedy takes center stage.
Themes: Fear, Paranoia, and Community
At its heart, Werewolves Within is a film about community—or the lack thereof. The town of Beaverfield is deeply divided, with the proposed pipeline serving as a microcosm for larger societal issues. The werewolf’s presence amplifies these divisions, exposing the cracks in the town’s facade of civility.
The film cleverly examines how fear can drive people to act irrationally and turn against one another. The werewolf becomes a metaphor for the unknown, representing the fears and anxieties that people project onto those they don’t understand. Finn’s journey—from a peacekeeper trying to unite the town to someone who must take a stand—mirrors the film’s broader message about the importance of confronting fear with courage and compassion.
Production Design and Atmosphere
The snowy, isolated setting of Beaverfield is beautifully realized, with the inn serving as a cozy yet sinister centerpiece for the story. The production design strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and eerie foreboding, making the town feel like a character in its own right.
The film’s use of lighting and sound is particularly effective in creating atmosphere. The howling wind, creaking floorboards, and distant growls keep the audience on edge, while the warm, flickering firelight inside the inn contrasts sharply with the cold, threatening world outside. This juxtaposition reinforces the film’s themes of trust and suspicion, as the characters must decide whether the true danger lies within or beyond their walls.
The Reveal: A Satisfying Payoff
Without spoiling too much, Werewolves Within delivers a payoff that is both surprising and satisfying. The identity of the werewolf is revealed in a way that feels earned, tying together the film’s various plot threads while maintaining its playful tone. The final act is a riotous blend of action, comedy, and horror, ensuring that the film ends on a high note.
The resolution also reinforces the film’s themes, particularly Finn’s arc as he learns to balance his kindness with the necessity of taking action. It’s a rare horror-comedy that manages to stick the landing, but Werewolves Within pulls it off with style.
Critique: What Could Be Better?
While Werewolves Within is a highly enjoyable film, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with the middle act occasionally meandering as it juggles the various characters and subplots. Some of the humor, while clever, may not land for all audiences, particularly those who prefer more straightforward horror.
Additionally, the film’s reliance on stereotypes for its characters, while intentional and often hilarious, might come across as overly broad to some viewers. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise well-executed film.
Conclusion: A Howling Good Time
Werewolves Within is a rare gem in the horror-comedy genre, delivering sharp wit, genuine laughs, and just enough scares to keep audiences on their toes. Josh Ruben’s direction, Mishna Wolff’s clever script, and the stellar performances from Sam Richardson and the ensemble cast come together to create a film that is as charming as it is thrilling.
With its mix of small-town satire, supernatural mystery, and heartfelt themes, Werewolves Within offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a fun, engaging movie, this film is well worth a watch. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to confront fear is with a sense of humor—and maybe a silver bullet or two.
