“A
dreamy and sleepy female werewolf noir.”
She is turning into a woman; yet, she is also turning into
something else. In the Danish coming-of-age film When Animals Dream (Dannish: Når dyrene
drømmer), a female werewolf is yet to discover the
mysteries in her. A romantic lycanthropic story at its heart, this debut
feature by Jonas Alexander Arnby will explore how a young woman reconciles the
otherworldly forces working within her with her blossoming womanhood.
Marie (Sonia Suhl) is a withdrawn teenager living in a
remote tiny fishing village in Denmark’s northern coast with her overprotective
dad (Lars Mikkelson) and wheelchair-bound, muted mother (Sonja Richter). She
has a strange rash in her chest that grows hair and the family physician, Dr.
Larsen (Stig Hoffmeyer), warns her that she might inherit her mother’s
afflictions.
Later, Marie takes a job at the local fish processing plant.
While most of her co-workers are hostile or repulsive of her, Daniel (Jakob Oftebro) takes interest in her. As she basks in her newly-found romance, Marie
also feels compelling urges within her. Soon, more hairs grow on her body as
she discovers the secret her family and the community has been keeping for so
long.
When Animals Dream is
reminiscent of the 2008 Swedish film Let the Right One In. Instead of vampire child, it features teenage werewolf.
But story- and presentation-wise, the two movies have apparent similarities.
Both possess that eerie and gloomy atmosphere, a haunting beauty that carries
oppression and sadness. The present owes it to its dreamy location shot with a
masterful play of color – from pale blues to cloudy grays. In terms of blood
and gore, both films are not excessive but just enough for a calm chilly
fright.
Likewise, When
Animals Dream tends to be more a character study that an exhibition of
horror and suspense. It is mysterious, each truths leading to the growth of the
lead character. Having been socially secluded, Marie easily falls victim to the
coercions and derisions of her co-workers and neighbors, the same people who drove
her mother to a life of isolation. But Marie is done hiding and with a man who
loves her as who she really is, she embraces her elemental instincts and fight
back. It is a bloody and heart-breaking journey for individuality and
self-acceptance; yet, Marie is willing to pay the price for it.
The film is a slow burner, and its pensive mood and
lethargic pace may not be attractive to most audience. In fact, it is initially
so slow and it feels like a medical drama during the first thirty minutes as
Marie struggles with her unknown condition. It may be artistic to look at but
its lack of variation, in tone and visuals, gives a monotonous dryness that may
further test one’s viewing patience. It is also quite formulaic, offering
nothing much to werewolf standards. Just like its hazy vibe, the movie has
vague points in the narrative, specifically about the mother’s history.
Suhl and Mikkelsen are the two stand-outs in the movie. She
may be a newcomer but Suhl carries the film efficiently. With her haunted pale
countenance, she delivers the sweet vulnerabilities of Marie. Mikkelsen exudes
paternal chemistry with Suhl. He projects the saddened gravity of a father
taking care of a damned family.
When Animals Dream is
as poignant as it can be, both in its narrative and presentation. It may not
bring in something new to the table but it offers a relatively fresh and
different take of the werewolf folklore. If you are a patient movie fan, you
may want to consider this in your next list.
Production
company: Alphaville Pictures
Cast: Sonia Suhl, Lars
Mikkelsen, Sonja Richter, Jakob Oftebro, Mads Riisom
Director: Jonas Alexander
Arnby
Screenwriter: Rasmus Birch
Cinematographer: Niels
Thastum
Editor: Peter Brandt
Production designer:
Sabine Hviid
Music: Mikkel Hess
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