✅ “Alma & the Wolf (2025)” is a psychological folk horror thriller that plunges into the dark heart of paranoia and fracturing reality. Directed by Michael Patrick Jann and starring Ethan Embry and Li Jun Li, the film weaves a chilling narrative set against the desolate backdrop of the Oregon coast. Following a mysterious animal attack and a deputy’s son’s disappearance, the movie blurs the lines between the natural and supernatural, delivering a slow-burn descent into a terrifying mystery. Released on June 20, 2025, it promises to be a unique and unsettling experience for fans of atmospheric and character-driven horror.

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Cave-o-nomics

Director: Morgan Spurlock

Writers: Morgan Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick

Stars: N/A

Country: N/A

Genres: Documentary

Languages:

Overview: How did the economy get started? Meet Ugg, Glugg and Tugg, three enterprising cave men who accidentally invented trade, marketing and the base elements of the modern market economy. The first film in the WE THE ECONOMY series.

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Alma & the Wolf (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Alma & the Wolf (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: Undisclosed (Expected to be a low-to-mid budget independent production)
• Revenue: $0 (As of June 27, 2025, early in its limited release)
• Runtime: 89 Minutes (1 Hour 29 Minutes)
• Release Date: June 20, 2025 (Limited Theatrical & Digital – USA) | Premiered March 22, 2025 (Boston Underground Film Festival)
• Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Horror (Psychological Horror, Folk Horror)
• Cast: Ethan Embry, Li Jun Li, Jeremie Harris, Lukas Jann, Beth Malone, Kevin Allison, Alexandra Doke, Mather Zickel
• Directors: Michael Patrick Jann
• Screenplay: Abby Miller
• Studios & Producers: TPC (Three Point Capital) (Producers: Jann Codron, David Codron, Eric Binns)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Alma & the Wolf” unfolds in the isolated and eerie community of Spiral Creek, nestled on the rugged Oregon coast. The tranquility of the town is shattered by a brutal animal attack, stirring a wave of paranoia among the residents. Deputy Ren Accord (Ethan Embry) is assigned to investigate the mysterious incident, but his professional duty soon intertwines with a deeply personal crisis when his estranged teenage son mysteriously vanishes.

As Ren delves deeper into the disappearance, the lines between reality and a horrifying nightmare begin to blur. He encounters Alma (Li Jun Li), a enigmatic woman found wandering in a blood-soaked state, who claims her dog was killed by a wolf-like creature. This encounter further destabilizes Ren’s perception, pulling him into a surreal and unsettling mystery. The film expertly blends elements of folk horror with psychological suspense, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and the pervasive fear of the unknown. As Ren’s grip on sanity weakens, he must confront not only the monstrous threat lurking in the wilderness but also the chilling possibility that the truth about his son’s disappearance and the “wolf” might be far more insidious and deeply rooted in the town’s hidden secrets. The narrative is a slow-burn descent into terror, keeping audiences guessing until the unsettling final act.

Cast & Crew

“Alma & the Wolf” features a compelling cast led by Ethan Embry as Deputy Ren Accord. Embry delivers a raw and vulnerable performance, effectively conveying the character’s descent into paranoia and grief as he grapples with the mysterious disappearance of his son and the unsettling events plaguing his town. His portrayal grounds the film’s psychological horror elements. Li Jun Li stars as the titular Alma, a mysterious and enigmatic woman whose arrival seems to trigger or coincide with the town’s unraveling. Li brings a captivating intensity to her role, keeping audiences guessing about her true nature and intentions.

The supporting cast, including Jeremie Harris, Lukas Jann, Beth Malone, and Mather Zickel, contribute to the film’s eerie atmosphere, portraying the isolated and increasingly fearful residents of Spiral Creek. Director Michael Patrick Jann, known for his work in comedy (“Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Reno 911!”) and recent forays into darker genres, skillfully guides the ensemble. His direction ensures that the psychological tension is consistently built, allowing the actors to explore the nuanced fears and anxieties of their characters within the unsettling folk horror narrative crafted by screenwriter Abby Miller.

Critical & Audience Response

“Alma & the Wolf” has started to receive critical and audience responses following its premiere at the Boston Underground Film Festival in March 2025 and its subsequent limited release on June 20, 2025. Early reviews have been generally positive, with critics praising its ability to subvert traditional werewolf tropes and deliver a more psychological and surreal horror experience. Ethan Embry’s performance as the troubled Deputy Ren Accord has been particularly highlighted, with many noting his effective portrayal of a man losing his grip on reality. The film’s atmospheric setting and slow-burn suspense have also garnered commendation.

Some reviews commend director Michael Patrick Jann’s shift into the horror genre, showcasing his versatility. However, some criticisms have included its deliberate pacing, which might not appeal to all horror fans expecting a more immediate fright, and the film’s ambiguous narrative might leave some viewers desiring more concrete explanations. Audience reactions, though limited in number so far, tend to echo critical sentiments, appreciating the unique take on folk horror and the unsettling mood. While not a conventional jump-scare fest, its unsettling atmosphere and character-driven mystery seem to resonate with those seeking a more thought-provoking horror experience.

Direction & Cinematography

Director Michael Patrick Jann demonstrates a surprising yet effective pivot into the horror genre with “Alma & the Wolf.” Known previously for his comedic work, Jann proves his versatility by crafting a film that prioritizes atmosphere and psychological dread over overt scares. His direction is deliberate, focusing on a slow-burn narrative that gradually unravels the mystery and Ren’s deteriorating mental state. He skillfully uses the isolated Oregon coast setting to enhance the sense of unease and isolation, immersing the audience in the town’s growing paranoia. Jann’s control over the film’s tone ensures a consistent feeling of dread, making the film’s ambiguities feel intentional and impactful.

The cinematography by Joe Kessler is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the film’s eerie and immersive atmosphere. Kessler effectively captures the bleak beauty of the coastal landscape, using natural light and muted tones to create a sense of foreboding. His camera work often focuses on close-ups to emphasize the characters’ psychological states, and his framing enhances the film’s unsettling mood. Whether it’s misty forests, desolate beaches, or dimly lit interiors, Kessler’s visuals are consistently evocative, making the environment itself feel like a character. The cinematography plays a crucial role in pulling the audience into Ren’s fractured reality and the chilling folk horror elements of the story.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score for “Alma & the Wolf” are composed by Jherek Bischoff, whose work is instrumental in building the film’s unsettling and atmospheric tone. Bischoff, known for his unique blend of orchestral and experimental sounds, crafts a score that eschews conventional horror jump-scare cues for something far more insidious. His compositions contribute significantly to the film’s psychological depth, creating a sense of dread and unease that permeates every scene.

The score often utilizes dissonant melodies, low, rumbling textures, and minimalist arrangements to heighten the tension and reflect Ren’s fractured mental state. There are no traditional “songs” in the commercial sense; instead, the music acts as an extension of the film’s unsettling atmosphere, subtly manipulating the audience’s emotions without overpowering the narrative. Bischoff’s score effectively underscores the folk horror elements, evoking a sense of ancient, primal fear. It is a vital component in making “Alma & the Wolf” a truly immersive and chilling experience, drawing viewers deeper into its mysterious and terrifying world.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Alma & the Wolf” relies more on atmospheric visuals and practical effects to create its horror, rather than extensive CGI. The film’s visual strength lies in its ability to generate a constant sense of unease through its portrayal of the desolate and mist-shrouded Oregon coast. The natural environment itself, captured by cinematographer Joe Kessler, serves as a key visual element, contributing to the folk horror aesthetic and the feeling of isolation.

When special effects are employed, they are typically subtle and serve to enhance the film’s psychological and mysterious elements. This grounded approach to visuals helps to maintain the film’s realistic yet unsettling tone, making the occasional moments of overt horror or surreal imagery more impactful. The practical effects used for any creature or gore elements are designed to be gritty and unsettling, aligning with the film’s raw and less polished indie horror style. The overall visual design prioritizes mood and character perspective, pulling the audience into the protagonist’s fracturing reality through a combination of effective lighting, art direction, and a deliberate avoidance of overly polished, distracting digital effects.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Alma & the Wolf” by Todd Sandler plays a crucial role in pacing the film’s slow-burn descent into madness and mystery. Sandler’s cuts are deliberate, allowing scenes to breathe and tension to build gradually. The film’s narrative often relies on ambiguous imagery and Ren’s deteriorating mental state, and the editing helps to articulate this by sometimes employing disorienting transitions or lingering shots that emphasize the psychological horror. This careful pacing ensures that the reveals, when they come, are impactful, contributing to the film’s overall unsettling atmosphere.

The screenplay, penned by Abby Miller, is the backbone of the film’s unique take on horror. Miller crafts a narrative that skillfully blends elements of mystery, psychological thriller, and folk horror, creating a story that is both intriguing and deeply unsettling. The script focuses heavily on character development, particularly Ren Accord’s internal struggle, making his journey into paranoia palpable. The dialogues are sparse yet impactful, and the plot unfolds with a deliberate ambiguity that keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of the events. Miller’s writing prioritizes mood and character over jump scares, allowing the pervasive sense of dread to build organically, culminating in a thought-provoking and chilling conclusion that challenges audience expectations.

Positives / What Works

“Alma & the Wolf” excels in several key areas. Ethan Embry’s performance as the troubled deputy Ren Accord is widely praised, carrying the film’s emotional and psychological weight with conviction. The film’s unsettling and pervasive atmosphere, enhanced by Joe Kessler’s evocative cinematography, is highly effective, creating a constant sense of dread without relying on cheap jump scares. Director Michael Patrick Jann’s patient, slow-burn approach to horror provides a refreshing change from typical genre fare, allowing the mystery and psychological elements to fully develop. The folk horror elements are subtly woven into the narrative, giving the film a unique identity. Furthermore, the screenplay’s willingness to embrace ambiguity and subvert expectations, particularly in its final act, makes for a thought-provoking and memorable viewing experience.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While “Alma & the Wolf” has its strengths, some aspects might not resonate with every viewer. Its deliberate and slow pacing, while intentional, could be a drawback for audiences expecting a faster-paced or more overtly terrifying horror film. The film’s reliance on ambiguity and psychological terror means that it avoids clear-cut explanations, which might frustrate viewers who prefer definitive answers or a more straightforward narrative resolution. Due to its indie nature and focus on atmosphere, the film might be perceived as having a lower production value compared to big-budget horror releases, though this often contributes to its raw charm. Additionally, some supporting character developments could feel underdeveloped as the primary focus remains on Ren’s internal struggle. These elements, while part of the film’s artistic choice, might limit its broader appeal to mainstream horror audiences.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Alma & the Wolf” is a compelling and deeply unsettling psychological folk horror film that offers a refreshing departure from conventional genre tropes. It thrives on its atmospheric tension, building a pervasive sense of dread through its haunting cinematography and deliberate pacing. Ethan Embry delivers a standout performance as a man spiraling into paranoia, anchoring the film’s emotional core. Director Michael Patrick Jann and screenwriter Abby Miller craft an ambiguous yet intriguing narrative that challenges expectations and lingers long after the credits roll. While its slow burn and lack of explicit answers might not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate a more cerebral and character-driven horror experience will find “Alma & the Wolf” to be a chilling and thought-provoking cinematic journey into the depths of fear and delusion. It’s a testament to effective independent horror filmmaking that prioritizes mood and psychological impact.

Movie Rating

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