Confession: We’ve been faking it… and THE HOWLING might be one of the most important werewolf movies we somehow never watched.

In this episode of Confessions of a Film Poser, we finally watch Joe Dante’s THE HOWLING (1981) for the very first time, and we were not prepared for how strange, dark, funny, and genuinely nasty this movie gets.

Starring Dee Wallace as television reporter Karen White, THE HOWLING follows Karen as she retreats to a secluded treatment center after a traumatic encounter with a serial killer. But something about the people living there feels very, very wrong.

And before long, things get hairy.

Very hairy.

Directed by Joe Dante and based on the novel by Gary Brandner, THE HOWLING arrived during an incredible era for werewolf movies and became famous for its grotesque practical effects, disturbing transformations, dark humor, and unforgettable creature design.

Along the way, we talk about Rob Bottin’s legendary effects work, Dee Wallace’s performance, the bizarre residents of “The Colony,” the movie’s twisted sense of humor, and how THE HOWLING stacks up against some of the biggest werewolf films ever made.

From its slow-burn opening to its wild transformations and unforgettable ending, we break down our genuine first-time reactions, the moments that surprised us most, what worked, what didn’t, and whether this horror classic still deserves its reputation more than 40 years later.

Is THE HOWLING one of the greatest werewolf movies ever made...

or has it been overshadowed by the other monsters of 1981?

If you're into first-time movie reactions, classic horror, 80s horror movies, practical effects, cult films, werewolf movies, movie discussions, and honest, unfiltered conversations about cinema, welcome to the Poser Movie Club.

🐺 What is the greatest werewolf movie of all time?

The Howling?
An American Werewolf in London?
The Wolf Man?
Dog Soldiers?
Something else?

Let us know in the comments.

🎬 Previous Episode: FREAKED (1993) 👉

https://youtu.be/ub6rNdsudLM

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