This 41-Year-Old Gothic Horror Is a Must-See Before Watching Robert Eggers' 'Werwulf'

This December, Robert Eggers, the master of dark historical horror, will release his new film, Werwulf.

However, long before Eggers and his visionary approach, there was a movie that reimagined the werewolf myth like never before.

The Company of Wolves, a gothic fairy tale by Irish director Neil Jordan, is based on a short story by Angela Carter. It's not a children's story, a horror film, or a fantasy parable – and therein lies its greatest strength.

What Is 'The Company of Wolves' About?

Young Rosaleen lives in her grandmother's house, which is located in a dense forest. One day, a wolf killed her sister in front of her.

Her grandmother tells her terrifying stories about innocent girls falling in love with beautiful strangers who have glowing eyes. She also tells stories about people who disappear without a trace during the full moon when wolves howl in the forest.

One day, Rosaleen encounters a young hunter in the forest who turns out to be a werewolf.

'The Company of Wolves' Is All About Surreal Beauty and the Mastery of Transformation

The Company of Wolves has a visual aesthetic that blends gothic fairy tales, surrealism, and psychedelia. The forest comes alive, becoming a character in its own right, and the cinematography creates a dreamlike atmosphere where reality and nightmare intertwine.

The scene in which a man transforms into a wolf is particularly notable and is still considered one of the best in horror film history.

Unlike modern movies, which hide the most unflattering moments behind the scenes, Jordan shows the transformation process in all its terrifying beauty – it's an almost ritualistic act where bones break, skin cracks, and the person ceases to be human.

'The Company of Wolves' Is a Feminist Reimagining of the Story of 'Little Red Riding Hood'

Angela Carter, the author of the story on which the movie is based, reimagined the Little Red Riding Hood tale from a feminist perspective. In her version, the wolves are werewolves, and the girl herself can become one if she chooses to.

Why does she do this? She falls in love with a seductive hunter who turns out to be a werewolf and kills her grandmother. Carter explores the themes of female desire and coming of age, showing that the fear of wolves represents a fear of one's own sexuality and power.

The Company of Wolves employs a plot within a plot structure: each new story told by the grandmother or dreamed by Rosaleen adds a layer to the werewolf myth. Together, they form an intricate picture that only enhances the story.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Company of Wolves'?

• The Company of Wolves has 85% from critics and 73% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Company of Wolves scored 3.5/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Company of Wolves'?

The Company of Wolves is available to stream on Tubi.