Werewolf
Werewolf

Movie spotlight

Werewolf

2017
Movie
78 min
English

Blaise and Nessa are outcast methadone users in their small town. Each day they push a rusty lawnmower door-to-door begging to cut grass. Nessa plots an escape, while Blaise lingers closer to collapse. Tethered to one another, their getaway dreams are kept on a suffocatingly short leash.

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic71/100
Google Users75%
Director: Ashley McKenzieGenres: Drama, Horror

Plot Summary

The film follows Blaise, a young woman struggling with addiction and poverty, as she navigates life in a small Northern Ontario town. She works at a dog kennel and tries to care for her ailing mother, while also dealing with her own destructive habits and the harsh realities of her environment. The narrative explores themes of family, addiction, and survival in a gritty, vérité style.

Critical Reception

Werewolf received positive reviews from critics, who praised its raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction and poverty, as well as Ashley McKenzie's confident directorial vision. The film was noted for its authentic performances and its ability to create a visceral atmosphere.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching and authentic depiction of addiction.

  • Applauded for its strong performances, particularly from the lead.

  • Noted for its gritty realism and directorial style.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a powerful and realistic portrayal of difficult subject matter. Many appreciated the raw performances and the unvarnished look at life in a struggling community, although some found the subject matter to be bleak.

Awards & Accolades

Best Canadian Feature Film at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) - Special Jury Citation, FIPRESCI Discovery Award at TIFF 2017

Fun Fact

Director Ashley McKenzie spent years developing the film, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and observations of life in Northern Ontario communities.

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