A Werewolf in England

In "A Werewolf in England", director Charlie Steeds takes audiences on a horror-filled journey through the English countryside. The film, which premiered in 2020, follows a group of travellers who stumble upon a small village that is being terrorized by a werewolf.

Reece Connolly stars as Percy, a jovial and somewhat naive Yorkshireman who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Percy and his mates, including Tim Cartwright's George and Natalie Martins' Fran, are on a walking tour of the countryside when they come across a village that seems to be stuck in the past.

The villagers are wary of outsiders, but Percy and his friends are welcomed inside the local pub by the owner, a friendly man named Thomas (played by Mark McKirdy). Thomas is quick to warn the travellers about the werewolf that has been attacking villagers at night, but Percy and his friends are convinced that it's all just a tall tale.

As night falls, the group settles in to their accommodations for the evening. However, they quickly realize that the werewolf is no myth. The creature attacks, leaving one member of the group seriously injured. The remaining travellers, along with Thomas and his wife (played by Emma Spurgin Hussey), band together to try and fight off the beast.

What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse, with the werewolf stalking the villagers as they try to find a way out of the village. The scenery is hauntingly beautiful, with misty forests and barren fields providing the perfect backdrop for the terror that unfolds.

The film is a nod to classic horror movies, with nods to "An American Werewolf in London" and "The Wicker Man" among other classics. Fans of the genre will appreciate the attention to detail, from the grainy 16mm film used to capture the action, to the creepy folk soundtrack that sets the mood.

One of the film's strengths is its cast. Connolly brings a sense of humor to the role of Percy, which helps to balance out the horror. Martins is strong as Fran, the voice of reason in a sea of chaos. Cartwright shines as George, a man prone to making bad decisions but with a good heart. Steeds uses the ensemble cast to great effect, building tension through their interactions with one another as the werewolf closes in.

Another strength of the film is its creature design. The werewolf in "A Werewolf in England" is a throwback to the classic designs of the 1980s, with practical effects used to bring the beast to life. The design manages to be both terrifying and nostalgic, and will appeal to horror fans of all ages.

While the film doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to the werewolf subgenre, it does offer a fun and exhilarating ride for horror fans. The film's pacing is brisk, with the action never letting up for too long. Steeds also manages to sneak in a few well-placed scares, keeping the audience on their toes.

Overall, "A Werewolf in England" is a fun and nostalgic horror romp that will appeal to fans of the genre. While the film may not break new ground, it is a testament to the power of practical effects and strong performances. It is a reminder that sometimes the best horror movies are the ones that stick to the tried and true formula.