Filmmaker Danny Draven follows up Bad CGI Gator (an Award This! nominee) with a satirical comedy-slasher, Models vs. Werewolves. It is a hoot with its loony gore and talented cast! In sunny Southern California, gorgeous models plan to stay at an Airbnb to bond and fulfill the Moon Manifestation, a ritual that is meant to bring good luck. This cycle occurs every 500 years. Grace (Bella Mraz) arrives the night before. She tries calling her friends, but the Wi-Fi is terrible. Unfortunately, she is brutally attacked by a pack of muscular werewolves. The following day, Eileen (Rebecca Stoughton) and the models head to the retreat. They are warmly welcomed by the Airbnb host, Judith (Dee Wallace). The women are ready to relax, bond, and have a man-free weekend. What could possibly go wrong?
Their fates are determined by their personality. Eileen is delusional, focusing on hippie-style health and Zodiac signs, while Hayley (Sarah Moliski) is the blunt voice of reason. Tina (Sophie Swiscz) is a fitness influencer, and Neli (Alexa Reddy) embodies the virginal ingénue. Niki (Hannah Heston), our voluptuous ginger, engages in sin with her side hustle on OnlyFans. The first night is a bloodbath. Tina goes on her nightly jog in the woods, where she is kidnapped and killed by a werewolf. Niki is busy selling her feet pics to a Saudi prince and invites one of her suitors, Jake (Tate Doppler), to make love. She tempts him with her lingerie, and their intercourse is cut off by another werewolf. Jake doesn’t have time to put on his condom because his head gets bitten off. Niki is cursed by the canine’s bite, adding to the insanity. Eileen, Hayley, and Neli are too drunk to know the whereabouts of their friends.
A woman holds up her keys as a werewolf’s claw reaches toward her in Models vs. Werewolves.
“In sunny Southern California, gorgeous models plan to stay at an Airbnb to bond and fulfill the Moon Manifestation, a ritual that is meant to bring good luck.”
Hugo Velazco’s concept is delightfully entertaining. J.P. Talbot’s screenplay builds on Velazco’s notion through his examination of female-focused influencer culture’s vices, alongside analyzing the mythical elements of the “Little Red Riding Hood” tale. Niki’s subplot is a postmodern take on the iconic Tex Avery animated short, Red Hot Riding Hood (1943). There are parallels between her and Red, albeit with a fatalistic edge. This thematic idea stood out in the film, and I wish it could have been expanded upon. Judith mentions she has a grandson who works on the property, yet this is never referenced again. My mind thought this might be foreshadowing the identity of one of the werewolves. Alas, it is not the case. This loose plot thread does not distract from this goofy slasher flick’s entertainment value.
Draven carries on his madcap energy from Bad CGI Gator in pulling farcical performances from his beautiful and talented leading ladies. Rebecca Stoughton portrays an even more petty character, Eileen, in comparison to her role as the vain Sarah in Bad CGI Gator. She’s wonderful as the naïve and clueless antagonist. The zaniness carries over into the elaborate title sequence, cartoonish kills, and AI footage. Sophie Swiscz commits to giving a serious performance as Tina, and this works as an effective contrast to the comedic energy of her co-stars.
Our main werewolf (identifiable by his pompadour) is visualized through a mix of practical prosthetics, CGI, and AI effects. This combination is mostly consistent and tastefully done with gory close-ups. The AI visual effects surprisingly work in some shots. The elaborate death scenes have the blood splatter resemble fruit punch. Danny Draven’s surreal, visual style makes him the Frank Tashlin of B-movies.
Models vs. Werewolves commits to its premise, and it all comes down to Draven’s cohesive direction. Its deliberate campy tone takes audiences on a ride and is a wonderful popcorn film to watch for guilty pleasure. You’ll be howling with laughter from beginning to end!
"…his condom because his head gets bitten off."
