Cast
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Ed Speleers
as Joe
Shauna Macdonald
as Kate
Elliot Cowan
as Adrian
Holly Weston
as Ellen
Amit Shah
as Matthew
Rosie Day
as Nina
Ryan Oliva
as Scar
Sam Gittins
as Billy
Calvin A. Dean
as Paul
Brett Goldstein
as David
Duncan Preston
as Ged
Ania Marson
as Jenny
Sean Pertwee
as Driver
Ryan Oliva
as Lead Werewolf - Scar
Robert Strange
as Female Werewolf - Hunchback
Crew
Director
- Paul Hyett
Writer
- Nick Ostler
- Mark Huckerby
Producer
- Martin Gentles
- Ed King
Reviews
Wuchak
***Good “Werewolves on a Train” flick, but no depth or moral***
When a train in England is forced to make an emergency stop in a notorious forest, the passengers have to work together to survive the night against a pack of… werewolves.
"Howl" (2015) is an English production that combines the werewolves of “Howling VI: The Freaks” (1991) and “Dog Soldiers” (2002) with the train survival situation of “Short Walk to Daylight” (1972); the British countryside and characters also bring to mind “Dog Soldiers.” While the plot is naturally reminiscent of “Horror Express” (1972), “Howl” isn’t really like that movie mostly due to the modern setting (the events in “Horror Express” take place just after the Victorian Era in 1906).
It's an effective werewolf flick and good in many ways, but there's no meat on the bones. In the end it's pointless. But maybe that's the nihilistic non-message? There are three fairly worthy women, but the creators never really take advantage of their presence.
The film runs 1 hour, 29 minutes and was shot Black Park Country Park, Buckinghamshire, England and London (train interiors and station).
GRADE: B- (6/10
Apr 22, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Howl presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Paul Hyett brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Howl took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 491 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2263 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Howl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Nosferatu, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Howl offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Saw IV and Evil Dead II explore similar territory, Howl stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 1, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 29m
Where to Watch
