Rob Roy’s American Werewolf is a low-budget creature feature that attempts to combine small-town suspense with classic monster horror, but it struggles to deliver a compelling experience. The story follows Sheriff Sam Anderson as he investigates a series of savage killings in the quiet town of Pinegrove, only to discover that the werewolf he’s hunting may be closer than he thinks. Assisting him are an oddly out-of-place deputy and the over-the-top YouTube investigator Raven Nevermore. While the premise offers potential, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired.
The plot is predictable almost immediately. The film begins with a man resembling Santa Claus taking his wife into the woods for their anniversary, only for her to be abducted by a mysterious beast. Ten years later, the murders resume, prompting the sheriff and his team to hunt the creature. Despite a few twists sprinkled throughout, the story drags, with many scenes unnecessarily prolonged, making the 70-minute runtime feel much longer than it actually is. The narrative could have been far tighter if condensed into a short film format.
Performances are largely wooden. Russell Sage Patrick as Sheriff Anderson delivers a competent, if unremarkable, performance, while the deputy feels awkward and miscast. Raven Nevermore’s exaggerated antics border on comedic overkill, and most actors appear painfully aware of the camera, which undermines the intended suspense.
The werewolf design is occasionally convincing but mostly resembles a low-budget Halloween costume. Gore is inconsistent and often unconvincing, ranging from ketchup-like blood to poorly applied digital effects. Brief glimpses of the creature aren’t enough to generate tension, leaving the horror elements weak. Cinematography and lighting are uneven, and the soundtrack frequently fails to complement the scenes. Pacing issues, awkward scene transitions, and drawn-out sequences contribute to a disjointed viewing experience.
Compared to Rob Roy’s previous work, Lycan Colony, American Werewolf has a slightly improved creature design and a less goofy plot. However, it still lacks engaging characters, humor, or suspense to make it memorable. While the film contains minor redeeming qualities—a few twists, brief humor, and occasional glimpses of the werewolf—it is largely a frustrating, amateurish experience. The clunky dialogue, overlong scenes, and inconsistent performances make it difficult to recommend, even for fans of low-budget horror. This is a feature that might have worked better as a short film or experimental project.
Jessie Hobson