Mikes Film Talk

Labeled a comedy/horror, the 2020 film The Wolf of Snow Hollow is oddly discomforting. By the end I asked, “This is suppose to be funny? How exactly. Depressing? Yes. Disturbing as well as slightly unsettling, the film is not a comedy.

Initially, I felt the film was the inspiration for the 2021 horror/comedy Werewolves Within. A similar theme exists. Although there is no virtual reality connection at all.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow Story

An cop with a drinking disorder must deal with his father’s poor health. He also must look after his daughter. In the meantime, whilst fighting his addiction, someone is killing off the town folks. Everyone thinks it is a wolf.

The Cast

Jim Cummings is John Marshall.

Riki Lindhome is Detective Julia Robson.

Robert Forster is Sheriff Hadley.

Chloe East is Jenna Marshall.

Everyone here works well. This is, in reality, an ensemble piece and it works. As usual, the very fact that Riki Lindhome is in it, makes the film worth watching.

*Kudos to Will Madden as Paul Carnury here. He kills it.*

Let’s Talk

Jim Cummings writes, directs and stars in this one. His goal being a comedy horror. As stated in the first paragraph, it misses the mark. It is not even, in my opinion, darkly comic. John Marshall is unlikable. He has issues with anger management and bullies his other officers.

Marshall is under a constant state of stress. The murders, gory and puzzling, pretty much put him over the edge. His frustration at everyone putting the crimes down to an animal, specifically a wolf, is spot on.

The mystery plays out well. I literally did not have a clue who the killer was. We are allowed to see the monster several times and it looks like a classic werewolf. After almost losing everything, Marshall accidentally stumbles across the “wolf” and nearly dies.

The FX are impressive and seem to be all practical. DP Natalie Kingston makes each frame count and the editors; Patrick Nelson Barnes and R. Brett Thomas do a smashing job.

Issues with The Wolf of Snow Hollow

Some folks have brought up various issues. The lack of uniform trousers, for example. However, if you pay attention, you’ll see that only John and the Sheriff wear blue jeans. Radio responses have also been questioned. This is a very small Sheriff’s office, their procedure is relaxed because of this. It happens.

The only real issue I had with The Wolf of Snow Hollow is it’s classification as a comedy/horror. IMDb rank it at 6.2, pretty darn good ranking actually. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a critic score of 90%. I agree it is pretty darn good.

But.

I just didn’t find it funny. It may well be down to it being a very well told story. The film flows well and works brilliantly as a mystery.

The Verdict

The Wolf of Snow Hollow gets a solid 4.5 stars. It has a lot going for it and the film entertains. It is worth watching for the late Robert Forster alone. *His second to last appearance in a film after his death. As usual, Forster shines here.* This is streaming on Pluto TV, Tubi and MGM+.

The Trailer