Werewolf horror-comedy The Wolf of Snow Hollow proves Jim Cummings can sink his fangs into any genre

Two years after the release of his debut feature, Thunder Road, writer/director Jim Cummings returns with The Wolf of Snow Hollow, an incredibly entertaining horror-comedy that feels like a fusion of the sensibilities of John Landis and the Cohen brothers.

Similar to his starring role in Thunder Road, Cummings once again portrays a member of law enforcement at the end of his rope. John Marshall (Cummings) is a volatile officer in a small town. He has a failed marriage, a rebellious teenage daughter (Chloe East, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World), and his father is the sickly Sheriff Hadley (legendary Oscar winner Robert Forster, in his final role), who refuses to give up working even as his health is rapidly declining. If that wasn’t enough stress, Marshall is also a recovering alcoholic trying his best to stay away from the bottle.

The trouble in the sleepy town begins with the arrival of a big-city couple. P.J. (Jimmy Tatro, American Vandal) and his girlfriend Brianne (Annie Hamilton, DRIB) are in town for a quick getaway when something attacks Brianne outside of their vacation home, tearing her to shreds. Rumours quickly begin to swirl throughout the town that a killer is on the loose, putting intense pressure on Marshall and the sheriff’s department, which only grows as more women begin to fall victim to the mysterious attacker, which some people are convinced is a werewolf.

No one portrays a man’s descent into blinding anger better than Cummings, who has plenty of opportunities here for a biting remark or a shouted takedown. As Marshall’s life comes apart as he tirelessly searches for the killer, aided by the quick-witted Officer Julia Robson (Riki Lindhome, Knives Out), he has to contend with his own inner demons in order to catch the vicious killer before he strikes again. And a full moon is on the horizon…

The Wolf of Snow Hollow is one of the very few horror-comedies that actually delivers on both of those descriptors. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (basically anything that comes out of Robert Forster’s grizzly mouth), and the film also works as a violent whodunit, filled with a quirky cast of characters that wouldn’t be out of place in Fargo.

With two features under his belt, Cummings has developed a wry comedic style that can sit within any genre. It’s a mix of awkward intensity and unexpected outbursts that will keep viewers on their toes, even when the film goes to some dark and violent places.

While the ending doesn’t entirely feel earned, there is more than enough to recommend with The Wolf of Snow Hollow, from the film’s unhinged tone, beautiful snow-covered landscapes, and all-around stellar performances. With just two features, Jim Cummings has already cemented himself as one of the most exciting writer/directors working today, with a unique and identifiable style all his own. The Wolf of Snow Hollow may not reinvent the werewolf genre, but it creates a believable and inviting world for you to really sink your teeth into.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow claws its way into select theatres and VOD on October 9.