It’s Fargo meets werewolf attack in this very dark comedy from writer-director-star Jim Cummings (not the Disney voice actor).

In the sleepy small town of Snow Hollow, a woman is found dead, having been mauled by what looks like an animal. Officer John Marshall, a recovering alcoholic, is in charge of the case. Baffled with the case is not only Marshall, but his partner Julia Robson is just as baffled. Some of the townsfolk believe that an animal is responsible. Marshall doesn’t believe it at all. However, when another victim is found the next night, Marshall is still convinced that a human is responsible.

The stress of the case is getting to Marshall as if he doesn’t have enough problems. The sheriff is suffering from a heart condition but still insists on staying sheriff. Marshall’s daughter Jenna is staying with him after a bitter argument with his ex-wife. As more bodies pile up and a curfew is thrown in the town, Marshall finds himself at a point where he finds himself going back to some old demons. Will he find the strength to finally solve this case and if so, what will he find…man or animal?

After his 2018 feature film debut Thunder Road, Jim Cummings is back with a great mystery that serves a dark comedy. The film gives off a vibe that brings to mind Fargo and quite frankly, the Coen Brothers may be proud of this film. Add to the mix that the killings may be done by a werewolf, as seen in shades of the film, brings to mind the upcoming Werewolves Within and The Beast Must Die to mind.

Cummings is excellent in his role of Officer John Marshall. What is interesting with the character is that in his opening monologue at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting he brings up metaphors for “beasts and animals”. This gives to clues as to what we are dealing with in this film. Riki Lindhome’s Julia is the more level-headed partner who tries to keep things at bay during the case. She clearly sees that John is under tons of pressure and despite even her getting baffled at times, she keeps her head grounded.

In one of his last performances before his 2019 death, Robert Forster makes a huge impact as the town sheriff, who keeps a medical condition to himself because he doesn’t want to leave it despite the fact that he knows the attacks are getting to him as well. The constant pressure and list of suspects will keep you guessing and one can determine whether there is a werewolf or something very different. To keep the film going, the discoveries of the bodies are pretty graphic with body parts taken off and bringing a little bit of a gross out factor.

The Wolf of Snow Hollow is a dark comedy that’s at times, laugh out loud, sometimes very cringeworthy, but overall, a wild journey that leaves you guessing and just enjoying the ride.

WFG RATING: B+

Orion Classics presents a New Form and Vanishing Angle production in association with XYZ Films. Director: Jim Cummings. Producers: Natalie Metzger, Matt Miller, and Benjamin Wiessner. Writer: Jim Cummings. Cinematography: Natalie Kingston. Editing: Patrick Nelson Barnes and R. Brett Thomas.

Cast: Jim Cummings, Riki Londhome, Robert Forster, Chloe East, Jimmy Tatro, Will Madden, Annie Hamilton, Hannah Elder, Kelsey Edwards, Skyler Bible, Anne Sward, Demetrius Daniels.