The Howling (1981) Review in 2025
A journalist is sent to a secluded retreat to recover from a traumatic experience, but she soon finds herself being stalked by a pack of werewolves.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to some scary and intense scenes.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of horror and thriller movies, especially those who enjoy werewolf films. However, be prepared for some scary and intense scenes.
Spoiler Alert!
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The journalist, Karen White, is sent to a secluded retreat to recover from a traumatic experience, but she soon finds herself being stalked by a pack of werewolves. As she tries to uncover the truth behind the attacks, she discovers that the werewolves are being controlled by a mysterious figure known as the Mariposa.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and suspenseful, with a good balance of horror and thriller elements. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and the pacing could be improved.
acting7.50/10
The acting is generally good, with Dee Wallace delivering a strong performance as Karen White. However, some of the supporting actors feel a bit wooden, and the dialogue could be improved in some places.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, but some of them feel a bit one-dimensional. Karen White is a strong and likable protagonist, but her love interest, Chris, feels more like a prop than a fully fleshed-out character.
direction8.50/10
Joe Dante's direction is superb, with a great eye for atmosphere and tension. The film's pacing is well-balanced, and the use of music and sound effects is excellent.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a great use of lighting and composition. The film's use of practical effects is also impressive, with some of the werewolf scenes being truly terrifying.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Howling is a classic horror film with a great atmosphere, suspenseful plot, and impressive practical effects. The film's use of music and sound effects is also excellent, and the cinematography is stunning.
Cons
The plot is somewhat predictable, and the pacing could be improved. Some of the characters feel a bit one-dimensional, and the dialogue could be improved in some places.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
"I'm not afraid of the dark. I'm afraid of what's in the dark."
"You're a very bad liar, Chris."
