Wolf Garden

I had not heard about the 2023 horror movie "Wolf Garden" prior to sitting down and watching it. But it being a horror movie that I hadn't already seen was sufficient for me to opt to watch it. And with it apparently being a werewolf movie of sorts, of course that just sweetened the deal.

And I have just suffered through 89 minutes of what has to be the worst horror movie of 2023 so far. Writer and director Wayne David delivered 89 minutes of nothing. Yeah, I kid you not. The storyline in "Wolf Garden" was just utter rubbish, as it was bland, boring, monotonous and had nothing interesting to offer. Yet, I endured the 89 minutes, hoping to get to see some werewolf carnage or something. But no, absolutely nothing of that either.

Well, when a movie is written, directed and starred by the one and same person, then you really should stop and listen to the voice nagging at the back of your head, telling you to not venture down that path. And I wish I would have done that with "Wolf Garden", because it was seriously a waste of 89 minutes.

This was essentially just a movie about a man sitting in a remote cottage and having random dream flashes of a woman. Yup, that was the contents of what writer and director Wayne David managed to conjure up here. Not exactly a good recipe for proper entertainment.

The acting performances in the movie were fair enough, taking into consideration that the small cast ensemble virtually had nothing to work with.

Visually then "Wolf Garden" failed to deliver. Proper visuals and some gore and mayhem would have much neededly spruced up the narrative that was lacking in every department. But that was not the case either.

My rating of "Wolf Garden" lands on a one out of ten stars. This was without a doubt the worst movie I have suffered through in 2023 so far. Don't waste your time, money or effort on "Wolf Garden", some of us did so you don't have to.

I can watch this movie with lights off and all alone without grabbing any pillows or cushions (in short not scary at all) Movie is damn slow. Actor has a sad facial expressions and which was the same no matter what emotions had to be expressed. I was yawning throughout the film. I still hoped maybe second half will keep me occupied but gosh. I nearly dozed off. Spoiler alert maybe: first half you'll not know if the actor is dreaming or if it's real. Once twice was ok but most part of the film were same which bored me even more. Yet again another disappointing so called horror thriller movie. Should be tagged under horrible movie.

This movie was a great watch. Full of suspense, great visual and sound effects

It teases you just enough to think you know what's happening, but cleverly leads you up to that final big reveal. A slow burn, but intriguing and captivating at every moment and will make you jump a few times.

Intertwined in the Werewolf theme is a love story full of inner turmoil and mystery.

Performances from all the cast were spot on. I particularly enjoyed the Character development of William, which sees him holding onto the past, whilst struggling with his internal conflict around the present.

I would absolutely recommend this movie and hope to see more from Writer, Directer and Actor, Wayne David.

If the story here was meant to be a mystery.

It's not a very well constructed one.

Because the answer is pretty obvious, from, more or less, the get go.

The majority of the plot is laid out with a series of flashbacks.

Intercut with moments from the present, where we watch the main character, William (played by writer/director Wayne David), feed something he keeps locked away in the shed on his property.

While suffering from a series of hallucinations that blur the line between what is real and what is psychological.

To add to the confusion, he refers to "that thing in the woods" as something different than what he is keeping in the shed.

Either way, it's supposed to be, partly a werewolf film, and partly an isolation induced psychological horror.

Though, not a whole lot goes on in the first two thirds of the film.

When the action does, eventually, kick off.

It's very underwhelming.

Merely being a bunch of growls in combination with some perspective shots.

So, short of actually seeing the creature...you are left to wonder if there are even any wolves at all.

Or if it is he, who is the only monster in the film.

For being, what is effectively, a one man show...with Wayne David having written, directed, and starring in the film...it's somewhat laudable.

Not being without it's merits.

Though, suffering from slow pacing, and lacking any real payoff, in the end.

Which, when combined with the sub par acting effort put forward...leaves you wondering why you invested the time to sit through it.

To his credit...he does throw a twist in, but it doesn't come to the very end of the film.

So, while it does tie up the loose ends, it seems little compensation for enduring through the rest of the film.

It's not too bad though.

And David certainly shows promise as a filmmaker.

I would like to see what he can do with a bit of a bigger budget.

Which would allow him to incorporate more special effects, and make the story a bit more exciting.

Because it kind of felt like a chore to sit through.

4.5 out of 10.

There's something about a movie that does things a bit differently from what you expect. This film isn't really a werewolf movie, more the story of a man losing his mind whilst the theme of werewolves is ever present and lurking in the shadows.

It's a slow burn and there's not a lot going on at times but its got so much atmosphere and tension that you are kept intrigued by what has happened or is going to happen.

The performances are pretty solid (the ghostly man was great) and the music and sound design are on point.

Aside from what felt like a quick ending to the film, I'd say this is well worth a look if you want something closer to The Shining than Dog Soldiers.