The horror genre has often played with the idea of films within films, where a group of people making a horror film becomes part of the narrative themselves. “The Snarling,” a 2018 horror comedy directed by Pablo Raybould, takes this idea and runs with it, offering a combination of horror and mystery, but with a comedic twist. The film’s premise is both familiar and fresh, as it involves a zombie horror film production that unexpectedly turns real. In this article, we will dive deep into the film, its plot, characters, themes, and overall experience, offering a complete review of “The Snarling.”

The Plot of The Snarling

Set in a sleepy English village, “The Snarling” kicks off with the production of a new zombie horror film. The crew, cast, and a bunch of enthusiastic filmmakers descend upon the quaint village to bring their chilling narrative to life. The film’s premise within the premise is simple: a group of people is trapped in the middle of a horrific situation, fighting against an undead army, only for the horror to become real when an actual, terrifying force starts picking off villagers and film crew members one by one.

What initially seems like a fake zombie film set becomes a blood-soaked reality as the creature wreaks havoc. The shift from the fictional horror within the film to real danger is swift and unnerving. As the villagers, cast, and crew members fight for survival, secrets are uncovered, alliances are tested, and the true nature of the monster is revealed.

While the premise offers plenty of opportunity for scares, it is the comedic and self-aware tone of the film that distinguishes it from others in the genre. The film seems to embrace the ridiculousness of its situation, poking fun at the very clichés it is trying to reproduce. This interplay of horror and humor creates an unusual, if not always effective, dynamic that might leave some viewers entertained and others perplexed.

The Characters

Rebecca Shepherd as Sarah

Rebecca Shepherd plays Sarah, one of the film’s main characters. She is an actress on the zombie horror film set, tasked with playing a protagonist in a fictional world of undead terror. As the chaos begins, Sarah’s character has to take on a much more serious role, trying to survive in a world that is rapidly unraveling. Shepherd’s portrayal of Sarah strikes a balance between vulnerability and strength, making her a relatable character amidst the chaos.

Vermillion Spango as Peter

Vermillion Spango plays Peter, another pivotal character in the film. He is one of the crew members caught up in the strange events unfolding in the village. Spango’s performance is notable for its portrayal of Peter’s confusion and disbelief as the fictional horror film becomes all too real. Peter’s character adds an extra layer of humor to the narrative, as he tries to come to terms with the absurdity of the situation.

Angharad Owen as Vicky

Angharad Owen portrays Vicky, a character whose motives are not immediately clear. She plays a more cynical role, skeptical about the entire horror film venture and often mocking the others. As the events escalate, her character is forced to confront her own fears and fight for survival, leading to some of the film’s more intense and dramatic moments. Owen’s performance helps ground the narrative in the realm of believable human reactions, even when surrounded by increasingly absurd situations.

Themes of The Snarling

The Blurring of Fiction and Reality

One of the key themes explored in “The Snarling” is the blurring of fiction and reality. The film sets up a world where the boundaries between the characters’ fictional roles and their real survival instincts are constantly shifting. This theme is not only central to the plot but also gives the film a meta-narrative feel, as the characters are both actors in a zombie film and actual victims of a similar fate.

The Dangers of Filmmaking

“The Snarling” also touches on the inherent dangers of filmmaking. While the characters are initially excited about creating a thrilling zombie movie, they soon realize that the risks of making such a film can be all too real. This theme plays with the concept of horror films being “dangerous” in a way, reflecting the potential consequences of diving into fictional worlds that are built on fear and violence. It serves as a dark commentary on the film industry and the lengths some might go for the sake of entertainment.

Survival in a Horrific Situation

As with most horror films, “The Snarling” explores the theme of survival in the face of an overwhelming threat. The characters are thrown into an extreme situation, where they must rely on their instincts, knowledge, and sometimes even their creativity to survive. This theme is amplified by the fact that the characters initially view the situation as just another “act,” only to realize that they are in real danger.

The Horror Element

Despite its comedic tone, “The Snarling” does not skimp on the horror. The zombie creature, though not necessarily groundbreaking in its design, provides plenty of scares throughout the movie. The suspense builds steadily, and the tension between horror and humor keeps the audience engaged, if not always terrified. The use of practical effects and makeup helps add a touch of authenticity to the horror scenes, even if the film’s budget clearly restricts the scale of the scares.

However, it must be noted that the film’s reliance on humor often undercuts the horror. The juxtaposition of a deadly monster and over-the-top reactions from the characters creates a somewhat uneven viewing experience. There are moments where the film leans too far into its comedic side, making it difficult to take the dangers seriously.

The Mystery Element

The mystery aspect of “The Snarling” is another layer of intrigue that sets it apart from traditional zombie films. The film does not immediately reveal the true nature of the creature, and the mystery surrounding the creature’s origin and purpose adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot. As the film progresses, more is revealed about the creature’s backstory, creating moments of suspense that keep the audience guessing.

The Cinematic Style

Direction and Visuals

Pablo Raybould’s direction brings a mix of tension and levity, creating a tone that is both eerie and absurd. He successfully maintains a balance between the comedy and horror elements, allowing for some effective scares while still making room for tongue-in-cheek humor. The film’s pacing is relatively slow, but this allows for tension to build and gives characters enough time to evolve as the chaos intensifies.

Visually, “The Snarling” does not offer anything groundbreaking but still makes good use of its setting. The sleepy English village provides a perfect backdrop for the horror, with its isolated atmosphere amplifying the sense of dread. The tight spaces and rural locations contribute to the claustrophobic feeling that the characters experience as they realize they are being hunted. The film’s use of shadows and practical effects helps create a believable horror environment, even if the film’s budget is not on par with larger productions in the genre.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of “The Snarling” is subtle, with moments of silence punctuated by bursts of horror-driven music. The sound design helps enhance the tension during the monster’s attacks, using heavy sound effects to immerse the audience in the chaos. However, the music never overpowers the film’s comedic moments, which is a testament to the balance Raybould tries to maintain throughout the film.

The Overall Experience

“The Snarling” is a film that tries to juggle several genres at once: horror, comedy, mystery, and fantasy. While it offers an interesting premise and a quirky mix of genres, the execution sometimes falters. The film’s humor, while entertaining, often undermines its attempts at genuine horror, leaving the audience in a state of confusion rather than terror. However, for fans of zombie films with a comedic twist, “The Snarling” can provide an entertaining ride.

The performances, particularly from the lead cast, help elevate the film above its limitations. The mixture of characters trying to survive while also playing up their roles in a zombie film creates a fascinating dynamic. The humor might not land for everyone, but there is something refreshing about the film’s self-awareness and light-hearted take on horror tropes.

Conclusion

“The Snarling” (2018) is a film that balances horror with humor, offering an interesting take on the zombie genre. While the film’s horror may not be as intense as some might hope, its comedic moments and quirky characters provide a refreshing twist on the typical zombie movie. The film is an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate horror comedies with a touch of mystery, though it may not appeal to hardcore horror enthusiasts looking for something more frightening.