THE CURSED (2021) is a new horror mystery in the werewolf subgenre. Extremely atmospheric and with a fresh take on the werewolf myth. The story plays out more than a century ago. Read our full The Cursed horror movie review here!

THE CURSED (2021) is a horror movie with lots of mystery and thriller elements. Of course, this comes quite naturally with the territory of being a werewolf story. However, this is not your average (or “classic”) werewolf movie. And while I do love werewolf movies, this is very much a compliment.

What works so well for this movie is everything from the cast to the effects used. More than anything (well, almost), The Cursed managed to grab onto its audience with a creepy atmosphere that never lets up. Forget about cheap jump-scares. This is much darker and deeper (though yes, I did jump once or twice).

Continue reading our The Cursed horror movie review below.

A different kind of werewolf story

The Cursed isn’t your average werewolf story. Or should I say “typical”. Sure, there are the “get bitten and you’re doomed”-element. Also, silver is all-important in fighting the creature. However, there are also elements of folklore, superstition, curses, and even religion involved.

In fact, it was originally titled Eight for Silver which is still the default title on IMDb as of writing this. This might sound like a bit too much. However, it actually works really well. Mostly due to the story being told in a very organic (and, more importantly, un-forced) way.

Also, one of my biggest fears (or pet peeves, if you will) is how well the effects and transformations are done in werewolf stories. For The Cursed, the effects work remarkably well. Both in terms of practical and visual effects.

The Cursed (2021) – Review | Horror Movie

Wonderful actors in all roles

Once the actual look and style of the werewolf is revealed, it makes for a different kind of werewolf movie. One that I really enjoyed because it became more character-driven. Since this movie is quite driven by its characters, the casting becomes even more important than with other werewolf stories.

Fortunately, the casting of The Cursed is very good. Obviously, there are both heroes and villains in this story. Along with everything in between. From cowards to the selfless (and self-appointed) protector.

Boyd Holbrook (In the Shadow of the Moon, Beckett) plays the latter character. The stranger shows up to help with the strange events. A young boy has disappeared, but the events leading up to this – and those happening immediately after – tells John McBride (Holbrook) all he needs to know.

The mother of this young boy is portrayed by the always amazing Kelly Reilly. She had her first starring role in the 2008 horror movie Eden Lake and we have been watching out for her ever since. Also, she was in season 2 of True Detective and in the 2019 horror movie Eli. The father of the missing boy, Edward, is portrayed by Alistair Petrie (The Terror).

Watch The Cursed in theaters now or on VOD later!

The Cursed is very much a Sean Ellis movie in every sense of the word. Not only is he the director and the writer, but he is also the producer and the cinematographer. Now, this can be dangerous for any filmmaker, but Sean Ellis seems to have a firm grip on exactly what he wants to say and do with this movie.

And he succeeds. The result is a dark and fascinating tale that will surely resonate with both fans of werewolf movies and those that just enjoy a solid horror mystery with supernatural elements.

Finally, I must mention Amelia Crouch (Kate, Extinction) who plays the older sister of the missing boy, Edward. She is a true talent and one that we will definitely be seeing more of. My one regret for The Cursed is that she isn’t featured even more in it.

All in due time, I’m sure. In the meanwhile, you can enjoy the entire cast of this one.

THE CURSED will be released in theaters on February 18, 2022. You can also digitally rent or purchase The Cursed on VOD from March 15, 2022. 

Details

Director: Sean Ellis
Writer: Sean Ellis
Stars: Boyd Holbrook, Kelly Reilly, Alistair Petrie, Amelia Crouch, Nigel Betts, Roxane Duran, Stuart Bowman

Plot

A once-peaceful remote country village is under attack—but by who or what, no one knows. Villagers spread rumors of a cursed land, supernatural forces, and even demonic creatures, as the disappearances and killings continue. Pathologist John McBride arrives to investigate the danger, only to discover something much deeper and more sinister than he ever could have imagined.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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