PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Stephen King’s Silver Bullet may have been one of the first horror movies I’ve ever seen, and I fell in love with it. As a young child, there was nothing scarier—or cooler—to me than werewolves. Vampires were scary, yes, but you could speak to them and possibly barter with them. They weren’t wild and untamed like a werewolf. A skinwalker would tear you apart in no time without hesitation.
As a toddler, my family and I would go to the local drive-in, and I would pretend that the bloodthirsty creatures might come out of the surrounding corn fields at any minute to tear us apart. I would imagine we’d have to drive away from them as fast as we could. The idea, although probably weird to most, gave me a little thrill and excitement.
Some may argue that other similarly-themed classics, such as An American Werewolf in London, are better than Silver Bullet, but I beg to differ. Maybe that’s because the movie is so close to my heart and nostalgic for me? Or maybe it’s because that’s simply not true?
* SPOILER WARNING*
If you haven’t seen Silver Bullet, we find out pretty early on that the werewolf is local Reverend Lowe (Everett McGill: The People Under The Stairs 1991), which drives the idea that those we seek out in our darkest times, those we believe are pure and moralistic, may actually be disguising their monstrous tendencies while targeting the innocent. This is the premise to many amazing horror movies.
The setting is the small town of Tarker’s Mill, Maine, in 1976. A rash of brutal and unsolved killings begin to occur, including the best friend of Marty (the late Corey Haim: The Lost Boys 1987 – read our retro review here), our young protagonist. Locals fear there is some sort of wild animal on the loose and even seek to kill it on their own. Little do they know that the person they trust most in the town is the one responsible.
It’s Marty who makes that discovery and must end the werewolf’s life before it comes to tear him and his family apart in its attempt to silence the child. Marty is a young disabled boy who, while a fairly decent and loving child, is the target of resentment from his older sister, Jane, played by Megan Follows (Anne of Green Gables 1985). It takes some time, but Jane soon begins to believe what Marty is telling her about the werewolf in Tarker’s Mills.
Soon after, the children get their drunken Uncle Red, played by Gary Busey (The Gingerdead Man 2005 – read our retro review here), on board with their belief that a trusted local is responsible for the killings. Suddenly, it is Uncle Red (barely) to the rescue! A silver bullet is made as it is believed that is the only thing that can kill a werewolf. A final battle ensues at their home on the night of the fullest moon when the animal comes to seek his revenge on Marty and his family once and for all.
Silver Bullet was released October 11, 1985, and is based on a 1983 novella by Stephen King titled Cycle of the Werewolf. The film was directed by one time film director Dan Attias, although he did direct a few television shows such as Homeland and True Blood. The film is narrated by Tovah Feldshuh (The Walking Dead TV series) as an older Jane, retelling the story of her and her brother becoming closer during this time. Feldshuh’s voice adds a stoic and serious charm to the movie.
Silver Bullet opened to mixed critical reviews, but when have we horror fanatics ever cared about critics? The film is and has always been a classic, in my opinion.
Everett McGill has the exact jagged, dark features needed to play such a character as both a priest and a werewolf. Capable of such intensity and doom, McGill, as Reverend Lowe, puts his acting chops (fangs!) on display here as the murderous animal. He does an impressive and convincing job. Many films about werewolves have often been looked back upon as somewhat comical or silly, but not Silver Bullet because it goes above and beyond the typical werewolf story, and into a serious story about a family, their dysfunction and involvement in the local terrifying murders. Don’t let that deter you though, there is still plenty of gore and excitement.
If you have not see this classic film, it is without a doubt a must-see this Halloween, especially since October 31st is a full moon! It’s going to be an extra spooky and fang-tastic All Hallows Eve! The kids are home, and we are all hunkering down during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean the fun is spoiled. Perhaps introduce your horror-loving child to Silver Bullet as I was, and let it claw and tear at their heartstrings for another cycle of the moon.
I wasn’t always able to say it, but I can say it now. I love you all, horror fam! Good night!
