The Howling

The Howling is a classic horror movie from 1981, directed by Joe Dante and written by John Sayles and Terence H. Winkless. A noteworthy addition to the werewolf horror sub-genre, this film possesses an unforgettable combination of suspense, horror, and dark comedy. It captivates audiences with its unique blend of a chilling storyline, incredible special effects, stellar performances, and underlying social satires.

The film's central character is Karen White, portrayed by Dee Wallace, one of the familiar faces in 80's horror cinema. Karen is a dedicated television news reporter who has had a close encounter with a serial killer, Eddie Quist, leaving her traumatized. Determined to recover from her personal ordeal, she accepts professional advice from her psychiatrist, Dr. George Waggner, who suggests she should visit "The Colony," a remote resort wherein a therapeutic community resides. She is accompanied by her husband, Bill Neill, played by Christopher Stone.

However, this is no ordinary retreat, and soon enough, Karen is plunged into the eerie world of the mysterious and unknown. What initially appears as a serene hideaway surrounded by a picturesque landscape slowly unravels into a much darker, looming presence. As Karen settles into the magical allure of the Colony, unsettling incidents seem to be on the rise, and she increasingly becomes aware of a bizarre aura enveloping the retreat.

The film is much more than just a horror flick; it hosts an ensemble of strong performances. Patrick Macnee, as Dr. Waggner, conveys both charisma and an ominous uncertainty. Dennis Dugan, as Chris Halloran, becomes an unexpected, supportive player in Karen's life. Elisabeth Brooks, in her portrayal of the gypsy-like Marsha, creates quite an impression with her power-packed performance.

The Howling, with its edge-of-the-seat vibe, is not for the faint-hearted. It fuses the terrifying essence of horror with psychological and emotional upheavals of the protagonists, resulting in an eerie atmosphere that persists throughout. The film's unique take on the werewolf lore, from transformation sequences to the creatures' depiction, deviates from the traditional image, thereby making the film an ambitious and revolutionary venture of its time.

Director Joe Dante's keen attention to detail, accompanied by John Hora's atmospheric cinematography, creates an immersive experience. Combined with Pino Donaggio's haunting score, the movie provides a pixilated purview of impending menace and suspenseful horror.

One of the distinguishing features of The Howling is its stellar special effects. Rob Bottin, the man behind these, successfully brings the werewolves to life, making them appear as terrifyingly real as possible. The transformation scenes are exceptionally compelling, with visual effects that were groundbreaking for their time. The film's successful blend of classic horror themes with new-age technology paved the way for various subsequent interpretations of the werewolf legend.

Despite the spine-chilling plot and the horror elements, there's an undercurrent of satire and dark comedy in The Howling. It skilfully manages to critique and spoof numerous aspects of the horror genre and society at large.

The Howling is much more than an average horror movie. With its exceptional performances, intriguing plot, and pioneering special effects, it more than cements its place as a cult classic in the realm of 80's horror cinema. It further proves that Dante’s film is a staple that should be on every horror enthusiast's must-watch list. It’s a movie that recognizes its roots while not being afraid to experiment, resulting in an unforgettable viewing experience.

All in all, The Howling stands as a testament to 80's horror: sophistication and fright mingled with a dash of dark humor and social satire. With its compelling narrative and unforgettable performances, it's a movie that will genuinely make you wary of the full moon. The film, in its own unique way, manages to seduce the viewers into its dark world, keeping them gripped until the very end. The Howling will not only keep you on the edge of your seat but will also make you think - and perhaps look over your shoulders, too.