WOLF GARDEN *** UK 2023 Dir: Wayne David. 89 mins
Described as An American Werewolf In London meets Vertigo, Wolf Garden is firmly in the werewolf horror sub-genre category yet it isn’t entirely what you would expect. William, played by Writer / Director Wayne David, decides to isolate himself in an isolated cottage after struggling with a traumatic event. The film follows his story as he experiences visions and slowly drifts into insanity.
This is very much a slow burner so those wanting to see plenty of werewolf action should look elsewhere. The budget was clearly too small for using further effects but this did add to the mystery and allowed the effects budget to be spent effectively. Wayne David uses what sometimes seems like an endless time to create an eerie atmosphere as the audience awaits the inevitable on the edges of their seats.
What didn’t appeal to me was the disjointed timeline. I was expecting this to be the ideal late night watch, yet I ended up a little too confused with where certain scenes were meant to be in the timeline. Sometimes this leads the audience to be totally unaware of what is to come, yet on this occasion I still found the film to be very predictable. Of course I won’t go into detail in order to keep my review spoiler free, as always.
Thankfully, the performances are all good. Especially that of Wayne David who seems to be wearing all the hats to create this film. He emits confusion and paranoia so well that he makes the slow burn far more bearable.
The cinematography was certainly helped by using such a beautiful property, perfect for an all-consuming isolation out in what seems to be the middle of nowhere.
Overall a really enjoyable watch if you can handle the slow pacing.
Review by Poppy Blundell
WOLF GARDEN is available to Rent / Buy on Amazon Prime Video
Also available on DVD and Blu-ray in the USA