There is no doubt that I’m a fan of Small Town Monsters documentaries. When I found out they churned out another doc, Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou, I was ecstatic. None have disappointed me yet. They keep putting out so many interesting documentaries, and I have been lucky to be able to watch them. You may read my review here of On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky and my review of The Mothman Legacy here.
Was Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou another hit for me? Or was it a miss? Read on for my spoiler free review!
Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou synopsis:
Small Town Monsters and director Seth Breedlove peel back the curtain on this unheralded beast in their latest documentary, Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou. Breedlove interviewed witnesses and local experts who help to unveil the creature who will be featured in this first-ever look at what is often referred to as the Cajun Werewolf. The Rougarou has been long thought to simply be a folktale told to keep children out of the forests after dark, but many around southern Louisiana believe they’ve encountered a real, flesh and blood werewolf.
Do real werewolves exist? In the American south legends tell of encounters with a creature that stalks the swamps and bayous. A creature who was here long before the immigrants who settled the region. An ancient evil called the Rougarou. Legends tell of a cannibal tribe of shapeshifters who retreated deep into the forests where they slowly lost touch with their humanity. A tribe who went on to become something far darker; a skinwalker. Now, nearly 400 years since the legend of the Rougarou first began to circulate, people are encountering the creature once again. The truth behind these vicious, horrifying brushes with the unknown will make your blood run cold. Does the Rougarou still stalk the swamps of southern Louisiana? The truth may surprise you…
My Thoughts:
Rougarou is a new creature of folklore to me. I knew nothing about it prior to watching this film. Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou kept me enthralled and entertained. It is not only well researched, it also blends and utilizes both history, re-enactments, and real eyewitness accounts.
There is so much packed into this hour long documentary, but it is far from boring or unclear. The film grabs you right from the beginning. The scenery is amazing. The history of the immigrants to the area is fascinating to hear and worth a watch. The eyewitness accounts hold your attention.
While The Mothman Legacy holds a special place in my heart, I believe this film is now my favorite Small Town Monster film. I honestly can’t find a single fault here.
My Final Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish. It held my interest and I learned about folklores and tales that are new to me.
If you enjoy folklore and tales, werewolves, and shapeshifters or just a great documentary, you need to definitely check this one out!
This film will be available on VOD platforms on September 14th. Small Town Monsters will also be releasing special edition DVD and Blu Ray on their online store.
Check out the trailer!