The Howling Wind [2020]
Film Review
by JannyC
During a plagued dust and wind storm in 1963, a countryman takes in a weary traveler seeking refuge, but discovers the truth in the circumstances of his arrival.
– Justin Knoepfel/ Lori Gish
The Howling Wind gave me the creepiest, most delightful 16 minutes of my life! I am completely obsessed with this short horror/thriller. I’ve watched it twice. It’s just that good! The film is written by Justin Knoepfel and co-directed by Knoepfel and Lorian Gish. I would love to meet them and shake their hands.
From start to finish, I was hooked by the eerie tale of an unexplained plague, coming in the form of wind/dust/sand storm, which causes changes in people. A story that can easily fit in an adult version of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or a Twilight Zone collection.
Shot entirely in black and white, which adds to the film’s horror/thriller feel. It also coincides with the setting, being 1963 at the Windy Hollow Farm in Essex County.
Utilizing only a cast of three (two main characters and one voice actor over the radio) and set inside a gloomy old dank farmhouse, Lorian Gish and Justin Knoepfel bring forth an incredibly brilliant little tale. This is all thanks to a gripping story, crisp, tight camera shots, smooth editing and good casting. It is no surprise the film was nominated for Best Cinematography (Harrison Kraft) and Best Editing (Justin Knoepfel) at Terror Bay Film Festival 2020 (TBFF).
Speaking of the cast, Anthony Arkin (as Arnold Cunningham) and Nicky Boulos (as Jacob Thompson) are flawless in their roles. Boulos was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at TBFF in 2020 as well. They play off each other so naturally that it further immerses you into the darkness of the film. The third star of the film is one we don’t get to see, but we do hear, in Mark Silverman (Radio Announcer) who brings a drop-dead perfect 1960’s radio voice performance.
Another star of the film though, may be the mysterious “Howling Wind” itself. It will cause you to never look at dust storms the same way again.
A highly recommended apocalyptic horror-thriller short.
My overall rating: 10/10!
THE HOWLING WIND is available to view online for FREE. See below:
