Lycanthrope (2021) 💀💀
Lycanthrope offers a cautionary tale in indie filmmaking, a project with glimpses of genuine creativity ultimately hamstrung by its creator's overextension. What could have been an atmospheric creature feature instead becomes a study in missed opportunities and fundamental storytelling missteps, though one that reflects the genuine effort of its self-taught creator. The film opens with nicely shot mountain B-roll, quickly undermined by the appearance of a person in a cheap fur suit and rubber mask. It is always important for filmmakers to remember, if one doesn't have the budget for a showstopping monster, it is often best to show it sparingly. Letting tension build while a monster is hinted at, or shown in fleeting glances, can make or break an indie creature feature. Writer/director Joseph Alexander's choice to reveal his limited resources so early works against the film's potential, though it speaks to the challenges of ultra-low-budget production. What follows is ...
