Howl

Howl is a captivating film from 2015, directed by Paul Hyett, and stars Elliot Cowan, Rosie Day, and Calvin Dean. This horror-thriller manages to create an atmosphere of dread and suspense while simultaneously exploring layered psychological dynamics. This blend of horror and drama is a concoction that won't give you an easy way out, gripping you until the very end.

The plot of Howl revolves around the concept of an ordinary journey spiraling out of control. The story begins with a train guard named Joe, portrayed by Elliot Cowan, who dreams of becoming a train driver but has his hopes shattered due to an unfavorable performance review. On the same night, he gets assigned last-minute to work a red-eye train from London to Eastborough.

Joe works alongside Ellen, the train's driver, performed by Shauna Macdonald, and his duties include dealing with a varied collection of passengers, each with their different characteristics. Among them is the teenager Nina, depicted by Rosie Day, full of angst and attitude, and Paul, the aggressive and demanding businessman played by Calvin Dean. The rest of the cast list includes a mix of persons representing various walks of life.

The routine, albeit disappointing, journey takes a disastrous turn when the train hits an obstruction on the line, causing an immediate halt in the middle of a vast forest. With the communications backbone knocked out of commission and an urgent need to clear the tracks, the brewing tension among the crew and passengers rapidly intensifies, setting the stage for a thrilling and uncertain rest of the night. As if issues weren't enough already, they soon realize that something sinister is lurking in the darkness of the forest.

Circumstances force the passengers and crew to abandon their differences and work together to survive against their unseen assailants. One of the strengths of Howl is how it transforms ordinary people into reluctant heroes as they are forced to face an extraordinary situation. Their struggles, resourcefulness, and unlikely alliances form the backbone of the story and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Some of the film's best moments ensue when characters are thrust into claustrophobic-thriller situations, allowing for encounters filled with paralyzing fear and suspense. Their will to survive pushes them beyond their boundaries, testing their courage and resourcefulness in the face of an overwhelming foe. But as the night drags on, the line between their allies and enemies continues to blur.

Elliot Cowan gives an excellent performance as the underdog protagonist, blending a mixture of despair, bravery, and resolve that finds empathy within us. Rosie Day's character, Nina, is far from being just a run-of-the-mill teenager. Her evolution throughout the film underscores her compelling addition into the story. The tough businessman, Paul, portrayed by Calvin Dean, also significantly contributes to the intricate character dynamics.

Howl blends traditional horror elements with character-driven narrative style and engrossing performances, allowing us to delve deeper into the human psyche. The forest, where most of the film's action unfolds, plays as another character in the movie – silent yet threatening. The wide-angle shots, flickering light inside the train, and the chilling outside darkness pushes the audience deeper into the mist of trepidation.

Director Paul Hyett manages to weave together a compelling narrative that combines these distinct elements into a cohesive film. Horror fans will appreciate the detailed visual effects built on a lower budget, yet standing toe-to-toe with any high-end horror production. David Roger's production design deserves special mention, adding an eerie feel that amplifies the feeling of dread.

In conclusion, Howl is a horror movie that relies not just on jump scares but also on the unsettling fear of the unknown. It successfully integrates an ensemble character drama into a horror narrative, creating an absorbing and layered tale of fear, survival, and teamwork. Howl provides a thrilling ride that will leave an imprint on all who dare to experience it. Paul Hyett demonstrates that a horror movie can accomplish so much with a compelling story, an interesting location, and a group of well-rounded characters.