While “Resident Evil” and “Twilight” busted open box office records, ushering in a wave of pop culture zombie and vampire films, the horror nation has been patiently panting for a furtastic film to bring us some new werewolf works. An economic bomb, 2010’s “The Wolfman” seemingly put out the paws deep into the dark forest making any project linked to lycans unfundable. Coming off his critically acclaimed film “Thunder Road,” writer, director, and star Jim Cummings takes a claw handed swipe at the ancient monster with “The Wolf of Snow Hollow.”
A young woman is torn to shreds in a crime scene unlike anything the local police have ever seen. Quickly chalked up to a human psychopath, officer John Marshall tries to maintain calm in the town while fighting off his alcoholism, an overbearing ex-wife, and a sheriff not ready to give up his badge who also happens to be his father. As more mutilated bodies start to pop up under a full moon, the small mountain town gets werewolf fever. An intense game of who dunnit ensues while the town goes werewolf wild. Marshall fights off his demons and walks the line trying to bring in the serial killer with his keystone cops as the crime scenes point towards the supernatural.
From the gorgeous opening shot to a wolf chase finale, “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” is a non-stop thrill ride with enough comedic interludes and dramatic pauses to keep the viewer scared, laughing, and next to tears. Aided by the scenic snowy town in Utah, cinematographer Natalie Kingston puts out a picturesque piece to perfection. Cummings leads the cast of great performances with a take which is both serious, hilarious, and filled with tensity. Legendary Robert Forster shines in his few final scenes brining both levity and depth to the film. Riki Lindhome stands out as Cumming’s partner, showing strength and solidarity in her performance. Editors Patrick Barnes and R. Brett Thomas shine by mish mashing much of the middle of the film in out of sequence shots that fit perfectly to pace. Cummings script is fresh, quick witted and filled with depth. What will have the horror hounds howling is the wolf attacks. The films plays as a dark drama, but Cummings shoots the wolf attacks with tense atmosphere and does not hold back on the horror. A snowy setting, quirky cops, and witty dialogue this masterpiece deserves the title, Fargo with Fangs.
Scream Score: 9/10
