Howl - Short Review - ★★✰✰




It's time to do an indie film for a change, and what better than to celebrate with a monster film, a very British one. It is directed by Paul Hyett starring Ed Speleers who is no stranger in filming with wolves.

The story compromises a young 'chap' who is down on his luck, after failing to get a promotion at a job he clearly doesn't even enjoy all that much. Then he gets even worse news as he is about to head home for the day: he's got to do a double shift, sounds like fun. He begins his shift with a fair share of irritable customers, his only relief being in the form of a co-worker, Ellen (Holly Weston) who is the tea-trolley girl. But even she doesn't seem to be interested in him, as she politely declines his offer to go for a drink after.

The first disaster of the film strikes: the train has stopped, something caught in the lines. After this, we follow the standard horror procedure into an ever increasingly desperate and hopeless situation. Train staff and customers both battle it out for their voices to be heard and each character has their own background and/or unique personality that affects the group dynamics as a whole.

Without giving too much away, this film does essentially live up to what it intended. There is some scares, a lot of over-the-top violence and suspenseful scenes to keep you on the edge. Despite this, the film is let down by its predictable plot which is often made worse by questionable acting. Howl is a cheap thrill ride to the end. But it does so completely unashamed, with just enough thrills to keep it entertaining, in sympathetic consideration of its restrictive setting and budget.

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