Something's Wrong with Dad in THE BEAST WITHIN

THE BEAST WITHIN (Blu-ray)

2024 / 97 min

FROM WELL GO USA

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Here’s a werewolf movie that tries to do something a little different with the concept, which is appreciated since these beasties haven’t really been all that scary in years. The Beast Within isn’t particularly scary either, but director Alexander J. Farrell obviously has loftier intentions than serving-up another lycan on the rampage. However, the film is a mixed bag and requires more patience than some horror fans might have.

Willow (Caoilinn Springall) is a little girl living at a remote farmhouse in the forest with her parents, Imogen (Ashleigh Cummings) & Noah (Kit Harrington), and grandad Waylon (James Cosnmo). It seems like an idyllic existence, save for one thing…Imogen frequently drives Noah into the deep woods, bringing along a caged pig each time. He returns the next day, clothes covered in blood. 

Though they try to keep it a secret from her, Willow follows them one night and discovers Dad’s a werewolf (though he’s never referred to as one). Of course, she’s initially horrified, but Noah assures her she’s safe. The only one who’s not quite so optimistic is Waylon. For good reason, it turns out. Though the farmhouse is fortified with fencing and a massive gate, it may not be enough to protect them from Dad.

"Dad, they put mayo on my sandwich. Go kill them."

Atmospheric and somber in overall tone, The Beast Within is deliberately paced, taking its time - maybe too much - revealing the family secret and Dad’s true nature, which the audience will have figured out withing minutes. Still, we’re invested in Willow’s character, who’s nicely played by Springall. The same can’t be said about her parents, who seem protective and loving one minute, cold and aloof the next…especially Dad. As the narrative unfolds, it suggests that he might actually be pretty abusive.,,even when he's not transformed

The scenes depicting this unusual family dynamic become pretty meandering after awhile, especially after Noah’s curse is revealed. In fact, aside from a few effective dream sequences, the movie doesn’t really venture into full-blown horror territory until the final act, which ultimately makes the first two-thirds worth enduring. With more of an emphasis on tension than special effects, we hear the creature long before we actually see him, which is a nice touch. And when he is finally revealed, at least we aren’t laughing.

While an air of inevitability hangs over the entire film - meaning it ends the only way it really can - Farrell does attempt a little slight-of-hand with the final scene, which could be seen as either clever or a cheap shot. But for the most part, The Beast Within is a decent werewolf film that might be worth checking out for patient viewers.