The Company of Wolves is a British dark fantasy horror film directed by Neil Jordan, marking an early milestone in his career. Co-written by Jordan and Angela Carter, the film is a fantastical whirlwind of fairy tales, storybook creatures, and, most notably, big, bad werewolves. Starring Sarah Patterson, Angela Lansbury, David Warner, and Graham Crowden, it premiered in the UK on September 21st, 1984.
In a dark reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, the film delves into mature themes and challenges. Rosaleen, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, is warned by her grandmother about the dangers lurking in the world. Through chilling tales of werewolves, bloodthirsty creatures of the night who prey on the vulnerable, the grandmother imparts wisdom about the predatory nature of some men and the importance of staying vigilant.
Wow, this movie absolutely blew me away! I didn’t know what to expect, but it exceeded every expectation I had. For years, I’ve been a huge fan of the groundbreaking special effects in An American Werewolf in London — they’re truly remarkable and unlike anything else in the werewolf genre. But The Company of Wolves offers something entirely different. The transformation scenes in this film are phenomenal, especially considering the era and the film’s modest budget. It’s important to note that this isn’t a straightforward horror movie, but rather a dark fairy tale that draws heavily from horror elements.
Despite its low budget, Neil Jordan’s masterful direction skillfully masks any limitations. His film delivers a subversive take on the Red Riding Hood mythos, exploring folklore and female adolescence with a dark and captivating lens. The acting is uniformly excellent, with Angela Lansbury delivering a tour-de-force performance. She embodies the grandmother character with a captivating blend of warmth and unsettling mystery, making her the narrative’s emotional anchor. Her lines are laced with veiled warnings and hidden desires, offering a deeper complexity to the familiar fairy tale.
The showdown between granny and the big bad wolfman is viscerally unsettling and incredibly well-executed for such a small budget. The transformation scenes, handled by Christopher Tucker and his team, rival the iconic work in Rick Baker’s An American Werewolf in London.
The Company of Wolves is an absolute delight! The interconnected stories create an anthology-like experience that seamlessly weaves together suspenseful scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. The portrayal of the wolves is truly terrifying, especially the chilling scene where an entire wedding party transforms into these fearsome creatures. The storybook and fairy tale elements add a whimsical yet unsettling atmosphere, while the dream-like storytelling draws you into its captivating world. If you’re a fan of the absurd and obscure, look no further. This film deserves to be recognized alongside classics like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth for its unique blend of wonder and darkness. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie.
The Company of Wolves
Release Date: September 21st, 1984
RottenPop Rating: ★★★½
Director: Neil Jordan | Writers: Neil Jordan and Angela Carter
Starring: Sarah Patterson, Angela Lansbury, David Warner, and Graham Crowden
Studios: ITC & Palace Pictres
Country: United Kingdom
Genres: Gothic, Horror, Fantasy
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