Witches and Vampires Among Us

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MOVIE REVIEW
How to Make a Werewolf
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Genre: Action, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 2h 17m
Director(s): Omar Reid, Steph Henderson
Writer(s): Omar Reid
Cast: Jace A. Edwards, Melahnie Bagley, Miles Nelson, Kiki Henson
Where To Watch: available to watch here: https://amzn.to/4gsdwYK; for more information, visit https://howtomakeawerewolf.com/

RAVING REVIEW: Venturing into the heart of Atlanta's urban jungle, HOW TO MAKE A WEREWOLF infuses the age-old lore of lycanthropes and the unknown with a raw, contemporary twist. The plot centers on Xen, portrayed by Jace A. Edwards, who is engulfed in grief following his sister’s unexplained death. Xen’s life takes an even darker turn when he meets Aana, played by Melahnie Bagley, a practitioner of dark arts whose promise of revenge introduces him to a secret world brimming with mysticism. This entry into the occult forces him to question how far he’s willing to go to exact justice—or is it revenge?

From the get-go, the movie sets a foreboding tone with Xen’s gruesome discovery, symbolizing the dangerous path he’s about to tread. As he sinks deeper into the arcane, the storyline thickens with psychological pressures, painting a portrait of a man wrestling with his internal moral compass while navigating a labyrinth of supernatural threats.

HOW TO MAKE A WEREWOLF stands out from typical genre fare by utilizing its setting. Atlanta is more than just a backdrop; it becomes a pulsating film's core that juxtaposes its everyday energy with the secret life of its supernatural inhabitants, including dhampirs, witches, and vampires. This fusion of the ordinary with the extraordinary gives the narrative a unique flavor that enchants the viewer.

Directed by Omar Reid and assisted by Steph Henderson, the film crafts an expansive mythical universe on a budget. The plot is dense with characters whose intricate connections might initially confuse some but ultimately enrich the narrative, rewarding viewers who pay close attention. The storytelling borrows elements from iconic series where complex familial and ancient rivalries add depth to the fantastical drama.

The movie reinvigorates the classic feud between vampires and werewolves and introduces a novel take on these creatures. Led by the rugged Malachi, portrayed with a raw intensity by Jonathan Meyer, the vampires eschew traditional elegance for a more brutal, street-savvy demeanor that matches the gritty reality of the urban setting. Introducing the mysterious Midnight Order adds a layer of intrigue, escalating the stakes and deepening the plot.

Despite its ambitious scope, HOW TO MAKE A WEREWOLF has its challenges. The film’s lengthy runtime sometimes hampers its pace, whereas a tighter edit and more dynamic storytelling could have more effectively maintained viewer engagement. This is also clearly a passion project on a budget; I thought leaving much of the “horror” elements to the imagination was intriguing. I’ve always said, “You don’t need to see the scary,” this is a perfect example of how to manage that. You have to be able to set your expectations realistically; this isn’t a big-budget horror thriller; just keep that in mind while watching.

HOW TO MAKE A WEREWOLF offers a richly woven exploration of personal tragedy, moral ambiguity, and supernatural conflict set against the gritty backdrop of modern Atlanta. While the film might fall short in its visual ambitions, it successfully crafted a captivating narrative that explores dark themes and complex character dynamics. It sets a promising stage for potential sequels, making it a must-watch for those who revel in narratives that explore the shadowy nuances of right and wrong within the supernatural genre.

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[photo courtesy of BUBBLE MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT & HOSPITALITY]

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