Howling VI: The Freaks

Howling VI: The Freaks, directed by Hope Perello and released in 1991, features a bravura performance from its cast comprising Brendan Hughes, Michele Matheson, Sean Sullivan, and Antonio Fargas. This sixth entry in The Howling franchise starts with a significant twist. The earlier films in the series concluded with the narrative conceit that lycanthropy was a curse to endure. But "Howling VI: The Freaks" offers an intriguing twist — what if it was also a spectacle to behold?

The movie revolves around Ian, a mysterious drifter played by Brendan Hughes. Ian carries the seemingly solitary burden of a hereditary lycanthropic curse, making him a reluctant werewolf. Perpetually on the run, aimlessly wandering from town to town, Ian finds himself in the dry, deserted, small town of Canton Bluff. This isolated landscape feels as forlorn and unforgiving as his life has been, plagued by his cursed transformations under the silver glow of the full moon.

His lonely wanderings bring him into contact with Elizabeth, essayed by Michele Matheson, whose father Dewey, portrayed by Sean Sullivan, is the local pastor. Their church is in dire straits, with a leaky roof that aptly symbolizes the community's faltering faith and dwindling hope. A budding palpable chemistry develops between the wandering werewolf and the pastor's daughter, adding an element of romance to the horror narrative, making it more multidimensional.

The tension and the central premise of Howling VI: The Freaks notches up several degrees with the arrival of a traveling circus in the small town. Led by the subtly ominous R.B Harker, played by Bruce Payne, this is no ordinary show but a selection of human oddities and freaks showcasing their peculiarities. Antonio Fargas shines in his role as Winston, one of the members of Harker's menagerie of technically-talented freaks.

Ian is naively lured into Harker's fold, assuming it as a temporary haven where he might blend into the crowd of oddballs and escape the loneliness inflicted by his curse. But, unbeknownst to him, Harker hides a terrifying secret of his own. His peculiar interest in Ian hints at an ulterior motive that hinges around exploitation, enthrallment, and a dark counterpart to Ian's own lycanthropic secret. Thus ignites a battle, a conflict between two supernatural entities, wrapped in a veil of curiosity, fascination, and horror.

"Howling VI: The Freaks" combines elements of horror, drama, and a touch of romance as it unfolds its unique narrative. It offers a fresh perspective on the werewolf lore, exhibiting the struggle between the monster within and the battles outside. It's a tale not just about the literal monsters but also metaphorical ones in the form of human greed, envy, and exploitation.

Far from the usual chaos and bloodshed that typically characterizes horror films, this movie uses its horror elements strategically to advance its unique plot. The special effects used for the transformations into the werewolf are convincing without being overly ostentatious, melding seamlessly into the storyline. The freak show itself, its freaks, and their performances become a metaphorical mirror reflecting society's perception of anomalies, outcasts, and those who are seen as "different".

The film’s primary location, the small, dusty town of Canton Bluff, lends an atmospheric backdrop to the unraveling horror. The portrayal of the down-on-its-luck community resonates with the undercurrent of despair and struggle that runs throughout the narrative, reflecting both in the characters and their circumstances.

Brendan Hughes delivers a powerful performance as the tormented werewolf, bringing a mixture of vulnerability and inherent strength to the character. Michele Matheson's portrayal of Elizabeth vividly illustrates the naive, yet strong-willed nature of her character. Bruce Payne, with his unsettling demeanor and off-putting charm, makes Harker's character a memorable villain. In his portrayal of Winston, Antonio Fargas adds an element of pathos and resilience.

"Howling VI: The Freaks" provides a different perspective on the werewolf mythology, crafting a rich and intriguing narrative around it. Despite being a part of a franchise, it creates a strong standalone story, thus making it appealing even to those unfamiliar with the previous entries. It compels the viewers to reimagine the concept of the supernatural and the notion of otherness, and how it interacts with the ordinary world around us, making it a movie not to be missed by fans of the genre.