Werewolf Game
| Werewolf Game | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Jackie Payne Cara Brennan |
| Written by | Jackie Payne |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Miguel Zamora |
| Edited by | Arick Salmea |
| Music by | Luca Balboni |
Production company |
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Release date |
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Running time | 97 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Werewolf Game is a 2025 American horror film written by Jackie Payne, directed by Payne and Cara Brennan and starring Tony Todd, Lydia Hearst, Bai Ling, and Robert Picardo.
Plot
[edit]Twelve strangers awaken to find themselves abducted and confined on a remote island. They are informed by a masked figure known as The Judge (played by Tony Todd) that they must participate in a deadly version of the social deduction game "Werewolf." Among the group, two individuals are secretly designated as "werewolves," while the remaining ten are "villagers."
The game operates on a day-night cycle, Night Phase: The werewolves covertly select and kill one villager. Day Phase: The entire group debates and votes to execute one member they suspect to be a werewolf.
This cycle continues until either all werewolves are eliminated, resulting in a villager victory, or the werewolves outnumber the villagers, securing their win.
The captives, unaware of the motives behind their abduction, grapple with paranoia, forming alliances and harboring suspicions. Tensions escalate as the group attempts to identify the werewolves among them, all while seeking possible means of escape.
As the deadly game progresses, the number of participants dwindles due to nightly killings by the hidden "werewolves" and daily executions based on group votes. Some players attempt to escape the island, but are thwarted by armed guards enforcing the game's rules.
In the final stages, the remaining participants confront the reality of their situation. The true identities of the werewolves are revealed, leading to a climactic confrontation.
Cast
[edit]- Tony Todd as The Judge
- Lydia Hearst as Monika
- Bai Ling as Demi
- Teala Dunn as Pepper
- Robert Picardo as Bill
- Tim Realbuto as Raymond
- James Crittenden as Zak
- Tabitha Jane as Natalie
- Peter MK McManus as Matt
- Ethan Ingle as Emmitt
- Cara Claymore as Chris
- André Tempfer as Seth
- Chaim Rochester as Guard #4
- Liefia Ingalls as Guard #1
- Joe Wells as Guard #3
- Chris Burke as Guard #2
- Tyler Gattoni as The Captain
Production
[edit]In March 2022, it was announced that Todd, Hearst, Ling, Dunn and Picardo were all cast in the film.[2] Later that month, it was announced that Realbuto was added to the cast.[3]
Release
[edit]In November 2024, the film has been completed and has a limited release in the United States and released in streaming platforms on January 21, 2025.[4]
Reception
[edit]Simon Henderson of Blazing Minds gave the film a 2 stars over 5 stars and he wrote;
Overall, this isn't the worst film I've ever seen. It has moments, few and far between, of possibilities with a higher budget and a better cast, I can legitimately see this being a really good film.[5]
Janine Pipe of Nerdly gave the film a rating of 2 over 5 she said; Werewolf Game is worth a watch if you’re a fan of elimination game stories, a horror spin on something like King of Killers if you will. So if you like that concept then definitely give this film a try.[6]
Giving a verdict of 4 over 10, Rebecca of FilmCarnage.com gave the film a negative review she wrote; it struggles to give you something to invest in, the characters aren’t strong enough, the progression is problematic and there’s only a fairly weak attempt at building an air of conspiracy.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ Mcleod, Jim (2025-01-23). "Werewolf Game (2025) Review: A Battle Royale Homage". Ginger Nuts of Horror. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ^ Complex, Valerie (March 21, 2022). "Lydia Hearst Joins Cast Of New Social Media Themed Horror Film 'Werewolf Game'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Major, Michael (March 23, 2022). "Tim Realbuto Joins New Thriller WEREWOLF GAME". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
- ^ Squires, John (November 11, 2024). "'Werewolf Game' – One of Tony Todd's Final Horror Movies Releasing in January". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
- ^ Henderson, Simon (January 26, 2025). "Werewolf game review - Low-budget for the most part". Blazing Minds. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
- ^ Pipe, Janine (January 28, 2025). "'Werewolf Game' VOD Review". Nerdly. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
- ^ "Review: Werewolf Game". FilmCarnage.com. January 21, 2025. Retrieved February 23, 2025.