Full Moon High
dir. Larry Cohen · 1981
Feature
Identity Crisis
Mood
Comedic / Whimsical
Look
vibrant, with a mix of 80s kitsch and horror elements
Structure
episodic with a focus on character-driven vignettes
Plot
After a trip to Romania, popular high school quarterback Tony Walker becomes a werewolf, and struggles to come to terms with his hirsute situation.
Why watch
Tony Walker returns from Romania with a secret that transforms him into a werewolf, complicating his life as a high school quarterback. The film blends absurdity with teenage angst, creating a playful yet insightful commentary on identity and acceptance.
Talking points
- the intersection of horror and comedy
- teenage identity and transformation
- cultural perceptions of masculinity
- the role of supernatural elements in personal growth
Cultural context
1980s teen culturerise of horror-comedy genresuburban high school dynamicsexploration of masculinity