Prime Adds A Cult 1980s Werewolf Movie Critics Wrongly Hated

Werewolves have been a popular monster in horror films ever since the very first one, simply called The Werewolf, appeared in 1913. They’ve become as iconic as vampires and zombies. While some werewolf movies, like the classic The Wolf Man and An American Werewolf in London, are considered masterpieces, others haven’t fared so well. Now, just in time for Halloween, Prime Video is offering a chance to watch a surprisingly good werewolf film that critics didn’t appreciate.

The 1982 horror film The Beast Within is now streaming on Prime Video as of October 24th. The movie, directed by Philippe Mora and written by Tom Holland, tells the story of a teenager who starts changing mysteriously, 17 years after his mother was attacked by a creature in a Mississippi swamp. As his transformation progresses, he’s drawn back to the site of the original attack, and people begin turning up dead. The film stars Ronny Cox, Bibi Besch, Paul Clemens, and Don Gordon, and earned over $7 million at the U.S. box office.

The Beast Within Is an Overlooked Cult Classic

When The Beast Within came out, it didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. Many dismissed it as a typical, violent horror movie, and critics called it confusing, poorly acted, and illogical. It currently has low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes – just 17% from critics and 35% from audiences – but those scores don’t reflect how good the film actually is.

As a horror fan, I have to say, if you love a good, over-the-top creature feature, The Beast Within is absolutely for you. What really grabbed me was the incredible atmosphere – it’s set in Mississippi and feels wonderfully creepy and Southern Gothic. The story is definitely weird and twisty, but in a way that really builds tension. And the gore? It delivers! What’s even more impressive is they used practical effects, which look disturbingly good. But honestly, the transformation scene is what everyone will remember – it’s long, unsettling, and genuinely one of the most effective and gruesome I’ve ever seen in a horror movie. It’s a wild ride!

Prime Adds A Cult 1980s Werewolf Movie Critics Wrongly Hated

The Beast Within Is an Overlooked Cult Classic

Other Horror Movies Now on Prime Video

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