Late Phases

Late Phases, a 2014 American-Mexican co-production, is an intricately crafted movie that mingles elements of horror, mystery, and drama with a tasteful dab of dark humor. Directed by Adrian Garcia Bogliano and written by Eric Stolze, the film stars the estimable Nick Damici as the lead character, with support from Ethan Embry, and Lance Guest.

The narrative is centered around Ambrose McKinley (Nick Damici), a wry, grizzled, and aged Vietnam veteran who is blind. A widower with a strained relationship with his adult son, Will (Ethan Embry), he is compelled to move into a close-knit, peaceful retirement community called Crescent Bay. Used to his independence and solitude, Ambrose warily tries to find his bearings in this seemingly placid neighborhood.

However, Ambrose and his pet dog, Shadow, aren't given much time to adjust. On their very first night, a savage and ostensibly inexplicable attack of some "wild animal" leaves Shadow dead, and Ambrose wondering about the purity of his new environs. Suddenly, this unassuming retirement community isn’t looking quite as tranquil as it presented itself. His instincts as a combat veteran kick in and Ambrose deduces that the attacker is not a wild animal but something far more sinister lurking within the community itself.

These incidents occur frequently, always during the full moon, which leads Ambrose to believe he is dealing with a werewolf. The once overwhelming aura of calm and tranquility dissipates, replaced by suspicion and unease. It's not long before Ambrose decides to take matters into his own hands, gearing up to confront this unknown adversary using his military skills and scant resources at his disposal.

Damici, delivering a stellar performance, convincingly portrays the stubbornness and grit of Ambrose. His character is not just a vulnerable old man, but a man of action and resolution. He shows us a man not defined by his disability, but one who uses it as a strength, making for an undeniably watch-worthy protagonist. In this hauntingly eerie environment, his character instills strength and independence, reinforcing the idea that people are more than their physicality. They can overcome and thrive despite hardship.

The supporting cast - Ethan Embry, Lance Guest among others - provide a rich tapestry of distinct characters that further flesh out this seemingly serene retirement community with its own secrets and tensions. The performances are suitably subdued and realistic, keeping in sync with the overall sober nature of the story.

Late Phases transcends the usual tropes of the horror genre in its unique take on werewolves. The movie does not only cater to the appetite of the conventional gore-hungry horror fans but significantly, it also builds a strong emotional core that revolves around the struggles of age and disability. A substantial portion of the movie focuses on Ambrose, his gruff exterior, his strained familial relationships, and his struggle to maintain his dignity and independence in the face of senility and physical disability.

While the movie plays judiciously with elements of mystery and suspense, it doesn’t skimp on the horror elements. Werewolf fans can anticipate savagely visceral transformation scenes and tense thrill sequences, alongside the more poignant character moments.

Director Adrian Garcia Bogliano has executed Late Phases with a skillful hand, combining elements of a werewolf thriller with a character-driven drama. Bogliano uses the eerie silence of the night scenes, the mysterious happenings of the neighborhood, and the limited vision of Ambrose to create an atmosphere of focused tension and suspense. The gloomy cinematography and somber soundtrack only enhance the overall disconcerting effect of this seemingly serene retirement community.

In conclusion, Late Phases offers a lot more than what meets the eye. Its unique blend of character-driven drama based in a horror environment makes it a standout in the genre of horror-thrillers. Infused with tense horror sequences and reflective moments, it is a rewarding viewing experience that delves into deeper themes of agedness, isolation, and the struggle for individualism.