Two Indie Horror Movies Telling Almost Identical Stories, But One Is Clearly Better

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In the realm of independent cinema, the diverse mix of filmmakers and their projects often give an impression of uniformity. This scene caters to individuals from various social strata, ethnicities, genders, and upbringings, offering them a platform for prominence. This vibrant community is a melting pot of cultures, races, genders, and backgrounds, each contributing distinct filmmaking perspectives. As a result, this community boasts an array of original ideas, spanning genres such as comedy, action, drama, thriller, and more, with no shortage of fresh and distinctive concepts brewing among the up-and-coming talent. Occasionally, two creators with strikingly different approaches may coincidentally arrive at the same idea simultaneously, leading to the intriguing phenomenon of “twin films.

In layman’s terms, “twin films” refers to situations where two productions release movies that share striking similarities at the same time, often to profit from popular events or trends. Examples include 2006’s “The Prestige” and “The Illusionist,” as well as “Olympus Has Fallen” and “White House Down” in 2013. From the independent film scene, we have “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” from 2020 and “Werewolves Within” in 2021. Interestingly, these pairs didn’t involve major studios orchestrating the similarities; it was purely coincidental. Both horror films are remarkable in their own right, boasting eerily similar themes, but one of them excels in almost every aspect.

What is The Wolf of Snow Hollow About?

The Wolf of Snow Hollow” is about as self-reliant as indie films come. This movie is the brainchild of Jim Cummings, who made a splash (even though he had been creating short films for quite some time) with his 2018 release, “Thunder Road“. While this film wasn’t exactly what audiences anticipated following his emotionally poignant 2018 dramedy, it didn’t disappoint either.

Jim Cummings’ eagerly awaited sequel blends elements of slasher movies and mystery thrillers, titled “Snow Hollow.” The story unfolds in a secluded Utah mountain town, where Snow Hollow lies nestled beneath a blanket of snow. After the gruesome murder of a tourist, an investigation into the baffling crime ensues, quickly spiraling out of control before local law enforcement can keep pace.

The main character in the movie is Sheriff John Marshall, a rebellious ex-alcoholic who assumed his role at the police station following his father’s health issues stepping aside from his sheriff duties. Soon after the initial assault, fatalities begin to multiply, with the gruesome aspects of these murders gaining widespread attention. Despite his efforts to find a logical solution, John completely breaks down when the townspeople start believing that a supernatural entity is responsible for the killings.

In this movie, John grapples with internal struggles, external pressures from his work, and an eerie force in his town that seems to have supernatural origins. To clarify, while the film is primarily a satire, it still offers genuine shocks. The central werewolf enigma, skillfully crafted for horror, serves as a platform to delve into themes like unfixable family bonds, ancestral pain, and escalating societal stresses. Thanks to Jim Cummings’ sharp script, the film is clever, quirky, and incisive. Although it might not align with what fans of Cummings were anticipating, it becomes more understandable when viewed in its entirety.

In my opinion, there was a significant gap between what I anticipated from The Wolf of Snow Hollow and the actual experience it provided. Contrary to expectations, this film received immense praise from critics, boasting a 90% certified fresh rating, which has led many enthusiasts to give it a shot. However, despite the widespread critical acclaim and general audience appreciation, there were several problems in the movie that seemed to escape the notice of most reviewers.

That being said, The Wolf of Snow Hollow is certainly worth watching, but I found its 2021 spiritual successor, Werewolves Within, to be superior in almost every aspect.

Werewolves Within Deserves More Love

8 months following the debut of “The Wolf of Snow Hollow,” Josh Ruben, an actor, writer, director, and internet personality, unveiled another sophomore directorial endeavor. Known for his diverse career, Ruben has directed sketches for James Corden’s “The Late Late Show” and 2020’s “Scare Me.” However, it is his work with College Humor and Dropout comedy productions that he is arguably most recognized for.

2021 marked the debut of Josh Ruben’s significant work to date, titled “Werewolves Within.” This movie is an accurate representation of its namesake and carries the atmosphere of a social deduction game throughout. In the film, all main characters are confined within the same hotel, leaving any one of them as a potential suspect for the killer.

Although The Wolf of Snow Hollow has subtle satire, Werewolves Within, led by Sam Richardson, brings its satirical elements to the forefront. This movie is a murder-mystery set in a town strikingly similar to a snow-covered secluded area. Both films share characters who favor logical explanations over supernatural occurrences and depict communities filled with suspicious individuals who foster distrust.

In the narrative of “Werewolves Within,” we follow the character Finn Wheeler, a peaceful forest ranger who has recently been relocated. Finn is a friendly, community-oriented individual, working towards preventing a damaging gas pipeline project. As he familiarizes himself with the town and its residents, a string of escalating violent incidents causes him to momentarily forget about the pipeline issue. Together with postal worker Cecily, Finn delves into the mystery. However, when the deceased body of the hotel owner’s spouse is found, things take a drastic turn for the worse.

Finn struggles to keep harmony among the diverse and eccentric residents of their town, who could all potentially be suspects. However, he can only sustain peace for so long. In classic mystery style, a heavy snowfall suddenly occurs at a crucial moment, forcing everyone to stay indoors at the local inn. As strange incidents escalate, the townsfolk start to speculate that there might be a werewolf lurking among them.

Why is Werewolves Within Better Than The Wolf of Snow Hollow?

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking parallels between “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” and “Werewolves Within.” From the intricate behind-the-scenes work to the captivating plot twists, both have left critics in awe. Similar to how “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” earned a 90% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Werewolves Within” boasts an impressive 86%. The critics’ consensus is unanimous: these films masterfully combine horror and comedy, delivering a balanced dose of each. However, it seems that the balance in “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” might have tipped slightly too much towards horror for some viewers.

In various instances, Jim Cummings has demonstrated his comedic abilities, be it through acting or writing. However, his unique style appears less fitting for this specific movie, “The Wolf of Snow Hollow”. This film is heavy with Cummings’ signature quirky and unconventional humor, which tends to disrupt the overall rhythm of the movie. Given that momentum is crucial in the horror genre, Cummings’ comedic approach seems to hinder the flow.

IMDB Score Tomatometer Popcornmeter Letterboxd Score
The Wolf of Snow Hollow 6.2/10 90% 65% 3.3/5
Werewolves Within 6.0/10 86% 80% 3.0/5

To excel at blending horror with humor, the amusing moments should occur during conflict. “Werewolves Within” demonstrates this brilliantly, as some of its funniest scenes take place in the climactic battle where Finn confronts the culprit. He delivers one-liners and quick wit, constantly referring to past events in the movie, all while continuing the fight without pause. Similarly, “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” effectively balances humor with horror by incorporating comical elements during intense scenes.

In the 2020 horror movie, viewers might find themselves pausing during suspenseful moments as the action and intrigue take a brief pause, often replaced by humorous comments from characters like Cummings’ Sheriff John or another character serving as comic relief. This mix might appeal to many (with critics praising the film), but Cummings’ unique style appears more fitting for intense dramas rather than a light-hearted adventure.

Despite not everyone finding the humor quite hitting the mark, both “Werewolves Within” and “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” are definitely worth a watch. These twin films offer something for all tastes. For horror enthusiasts, “Werewolves Within” delivers a string of chilling and thrilling scares, while mystery lovers will be drawn into an engaging and unforeseen labyrinth with “The Wolf of Snow Hollow.” Supporting independent film is crucial as it fosters the growth of unique concepts. Though these two directors might share a similar idea, each movie still offers a distinct experience to appreciate.

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2025-05-06 00:52