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The Howling
1981 91 min United States of America R 16+
★6.7
Horror
Director: Joe Dante
🎭 Based on
«The Howling»
byGary Brandner
Trailers
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EN
EN
EN
Description
After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a newswoman is sent to a rehabilitation center whose inhabitants may not be what they seem.
Budget:
$1M
US Gross:
$17.99M
Worldwide:
$17.99M
Starring
Dee Wallace
Actor
Patrick Macnee
Actor
Dennis Dugan
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Horror Film
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1981
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Key opinion
The Howling is widely regarded as a landmark of 1980s horror, primarily celebrated for its groundbreaking practical effects and innovative take on werewolf lore. While opinions on the acting and pacing vary, most critics agree it remains a defining, atmospheric entry in the genre that successfully blends thriller elements with creature horror.
| Production | Rob Bottin's innovative, CGI-free practical transformations remain a technical benchmark that anchors the film's horror legacy. | |
| Originality | The film is a genre-defining hybrid that effectively weaves elements of detective noir, psychological thriller, and satirical horror. | |
| Direction | Joe Dante’s atmospheric direction, utilizing fog-drenched settings and suspenseful pacing, creates a uniquely menacing tone. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is polarizing; some viewers find the slow build-up and detective-thriller structure immersive, while others find the first act sluggish and tedious. | |
| Acting | Performances are a point of contention, with some praising the cast for anchoring the tension, while others dismiss the acting as over-the-top or lackluster. | |
| Score | The score by Pino Donaggio divides critics, being described by some as a haunting, atmospheric asset and by others as weak, low-budget, or insufficient in building tension. |