The Company of Wolves
dir. Neil Jordan · 1984
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Dark / Melancholic
Look
lush, surreal landscapes with a gothic undertone
Structure
nonlinear, dreamlike sequences interwoven with cautionary tales
Plot
An adaptation of Angela Carter's fairy tales. Young Rosaleen dreams of a village in the dark woods, where Granny tells her cautionary tales in which innocent maidens are tempted by wolves who are hairy on the inside. As Rosaleen grows into womanhood, will the wolves come for her too?
Why watch
"The Company of Wolves" invites viewers into a hauntingly beautiful world where fairy tales twist into dark reflections of desire and fear. With its lush visuals and profound themes of transformation, this film is a mesmerizing exploration of the journey from innocence to experience.
Cultural context
feminist reinterpretation of folklore1980s horror renaissanceexploration of sexuality and innocenceBritish cinema's gothic tradition