Hair Wolf

Hair Wolf is a horror-comedy film that was released in 2018. The movie is directed and written by Mariama Diallo and stars Kara Young, Taliah Webster, and Madeline Weinstein in the lead roles.

The film is set in Brooklyn, where gentrification has taken over the neighborhood. The East Williamsburg Hair Shop is the only remaining black-owned, natural hair salon in the area, and its staff is determined to keep its doors open as long as possible. They must contend with the increasing numbers of white people moving in and the fact that most of them have no idea how to properly care for their afro-textured hair.

One day, the staff of the salon notices that a strange woman has been hanging around outside the shop. She's a white woman with bleached blonde hair and blue eyes, and she seems out of place in the predominantly black neighborhood. When the woman finally enters the salon, the staff is wary but tries to be polite. She requests a wash and blowout, and they oblige.

As they're washing her hair, the staff begins to notice something odd. The woman's hair seems to be shed in large amounts, and it's not coming out in the normal way. They brush it off and try to get through the appointment, but things quickly take a turn for the worse.

The woman transforms into a werewolf, and chaos ensues. The salon staff becomes trapped inside with the werewolf and must find a way to escape before they too are turned into werewolves.

The film is a biting commentary on cultural appropriation and the erasure of black culture in gentrified neighborhoods. The werewolf transformation is used as a metaphor for the way in which white people take on black culture without understanding its history or significance. The film is also a celebration of black beauty and features stunning shots of natural hair in all its glory.

The performances in the film are top-notch, with Kara Young shining as the salon owner, Laney. She's tough and no-nonsense, but also vulnerable and loving. Taliah Webster is fantastic as the receptionist, whose quick thinking helps them all survive the werewolf attack. Madeline Weinstein is excellent as the werewolf, imbuing her with a sense of menace and desperation.

The cinematography is also worth noting. The film has a gritty, realistic feel, with shots that capture the vibrant energy of Brooklyn. The hair in the film is also beautifully shot, with close-ups that showcase the intricate and varied textures of black hair.

Overall, Hair Wolf is a clever and entertaining film that blends horror and comedy in a unique way. It tackles important social issues while remaining fun and engaging. It's definitely worth a watch for anyone who loves horror, comedy, or just appreciates a good metaphor.