Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

An American Werewolf in Paris (1997) movie poster

Characters & Themes

An American Werewolf in Paris (1997) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1997 · 105 min · English
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Anthony Waller
Starring
Julie Delpy, Tom Everett Scott
Budget
$25M

In Paris, American adventurer Andy McDermott's evening takes a frightening turn after he's attacked by a werewolf. As the full moon approaches, he begins a terrifying transformation, struggling with the beast within. He finds an unlikely ally in the beautiful Serafine Pigot, and together they face the challenges and absurdities of a supernatural romance, encountering danger and humor along the way.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (2)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like An American Werewolf in Paris
  8. 8 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

2 main characters · contains spoilers

An American Werewolf in Paris Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of An American Werewolf in Paris (1997), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Andy McDermott (Tom Everett Scott)

    Andy is a carefree American tourist who finds himself entwined in a dark web of werewolf lore. His character embodies bravery and impulsiveness, especially during pivotal moments of rescue and confrontation. As he navigates love and horror, Andy's journey reflects both the charm and peril of adventure in an unfamiliar city.

    • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Hero
    • 🌍 Adventurer
    • 😨 Vulnerable
  • Serafine Pigot (Julie Delpy)

    Serafine is a complex character, balancing her werewolf nature with her human emotions. She emerges as both a protector and a potential danger for Andy, revealing her fierce loyalty and strength. Struggling with her identity, Serafine's duality is a central aspect of her character arc, paralleling Andy's own transformations.

    • 🧙‍♀️ Mysterious
    • ❤️ Romantic Interest
    • 🐺 Strong

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:16

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does An American Werewolf in Paris Take Place?

The setting of An American Werewolf in Paris (1997): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Summer, Fourth of July

The film takes place during a gritty, oppressive summer leading up to the Fourth of July festivities. This time is characterized by a sense of celebration, yet it juxtaposes the sinister undercurrents of the werewolf covenant that lurks in the shadows. The summer heat amplifies tensions as the characters navigate both romance and horror against a backdrop of festive chaos.

Location

Paris, Eiffel Tower, Club de la Lune, Statue of Liberty, New York City

The story unfolds in the enchanting City of Love, Paris, known for its romantic ambiance and iconic landmarks. Key locations include the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of the city's charm, and Club de la Lune, a mysterious nightclub that serves as a front for hidden supernatural activities. The journey ultimately leads to the Statue of Liberty in New York City, symbolizing freedom and new beginnings.

  • 🗼 Paris
  • 🎉 Nightclub
  • 🗽 America

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:16

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

An American Werewolf in Paris Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is An American Werewolf in Paris (1997) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Transformation

    The theme of transformation is central to the film, as Andy navigates his horrifying change into a werewolf. This metamorphosis serves as a conduit for exploring identity, loss of humanity, and primal instincts. As he grapples with his dual nature, the story questions what it means to be human amid chaos and terror.

  • Love and Sacrifice

    Love drives the characters’ actions, particularly between Andy and Serafine, who face daunting obstacles in their pursuit of happiness. The narrative showcases the lengths to which they are willing to sacrifice for each other, highlighting the need for connection and loyalty even in the direst of circumstances. Their bond becomes pivotal in overcoming the darkness they face.

  • Revenge

    The haunting memories of lost friends lead to a theme of revenge, particularly embodied in Andy's confrontation with Claude and the werewolf that changed his fate. This quest for vengeance not only drives the plot but reflects deeper emotional struggles, emphasizing themes of justice and the consequences of untamed power.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:16

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

An American Werewolf in Paris Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about An American Werewolf in Paris (1997): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is An American Werewolf in Paris set?

The film is set primarily in Paris, France, with key scenes taking place at iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and Club de la Lune, a mysterious nightclub that serves as a front for supernatural activities. The story also briefly moves to New York City, specifically to the Statue of Liberty.

  • paris
  • eiffel tower
  • club de la lune
  • new york
  • setting
  • locations
Q2

When does the movie take place?

The story unfolds during a gritty summer leading up to the Fourth of July, creating a tense contrast between the festive celebration atmosphere and the sinister werewolf threat lurking in the shadows.

  • summer
  • fourth of july
  • time period
  • setting
  • season
Q3

What does the transformation theme represent in the film?

The transformation theme explores Andy McDermott's horrifying change into a werewolf as a metaphor for identity crisis and loss of humanity. His struggle with dual nature questions what it means to be human amid chaos and terror, serving as the film's central emotional core.

  • transformation
  • werewolf
  • identity
  • metaphor
  • theme
Q4

Who is Andy McDermott in the movie?

Andy McDermott is a carefree American tourist in Paris who becomes entangled in werewolf lore after being attacked. His character embodies bravery and impulsiveness as he navigates both a supernatural curse and a romantic relationship with Serafine.

  • andy mcdermott
  • character
  • tourist
  • hero
  • protagonist
Q5

Who is Serafine Pigot and what is her role?

Serafine Pigot is a complex werewolf who balances her supernatural nature with human emotions. She serves as both protector and potential danger to Andy, revealing fierce loyalty while struggling with her own identity. Her duality mirrors Andy's transformation journey.

  • serafine pigot
  • character
  • werewolf
  • love interest
  • protector
Q6

How does love and sacrifice function as a theme?

Love and sacrifice drive the narrative through Andy and Serafine's relationship, which faces daunting obstacles. Their willingness to sacrifice for each other highlights the need for connection and loyalty even in the direst circumstances, with their bond becoming essential in overcoming the darkness they face.

  • love
  • sacrifice
  • relationship
  • romance
  • theme
Q7

What role does revenge play in the story?

Revenge manifests through Andy's quest to confront Claude and the werewolf that changed his fate. This pursuit of vengeance drives the plot and reflects deeper emotional struggles, emphasizing themes of justice and the consequences of untamed power.

  • revenge
  • claude
  • vengeance
  • justice
  • theme
Q8

How does the Paris setting influence the film's tone?

Paris serves as a striking contrast between romantic charm and supernatural horror. The City of Love's enchanting atmosphere juxtaposes with dangerous werewolf activities, creating an unsettling blend where romantic scenes unfold against a backdrop of危及.

  • paris
  • atmosphere
  • tone
  • mood
  • contrast
Q9

What does the werewolf transformation symbolize thematically?

Andy's werewolf transformation symbolizes the duality of human nature, combining primal instincts with rational identity. This metamorphosis serves as a conduit for exploring loss of control, inner beasts, and the struggle between civilization and raw animalistic impulses.

  • werewolf
  • duality
  • nature
  • instinct
  • symbolism
Q10

What is the tone and genre balance of the film?

The film blends horror, comedy, romance, and thriller elements. While the core involves body horror and a sinister werewolf conspiracy, black comedy elements and absurd moments (like the bungee-jumping finale) prevent the tone from feeling purely bleak, creating a darkly comedic atmosphere.

  • tone
  • genre
  • horror
  • comedy
  • balance
  • style

Movie threads

More Movies Like An American Werewolf in Paris, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes An American Werewolf in Paris tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Darkly Comedic Supernatural Horror Movies like An American Werewolf in Paris

Where gruesome terror meets absurd humor in a chaotic supernatural world. If you liked the mix of gory werewolf attacks and absurd humor in An American Werewolf in Paris, you'll enjoy these movies. This list features similar films that skillfully blend grim horror with black comedy, creating a thrilling yet funny supernatural experience.

  • supernatural
  • gory
  • chaotic
  • anxious
  • dark humor
  • suspenseful
  • Tone: dark, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically involve ordinary people thrust into extraordinary and horrific supernatural situations. The narrative unfolds with serious threats and genuine danger, but the characters' responses or the unfolding events are punctuated by moments of irony, farce, or witty dialogue that lighten the grim reality without deflating the tension entirely.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a specific tonal blend: a dark, often violent horror foundation consistently lightened by comedic elements. The pacing is usually fast, the intensity high, but the emotional weight is moderated by the humor, preventing it from becoming overwhelmingly bleak.

Supernatural Romance Movies with a Curse like An American Werewolf in Paris

Love blossoms under the shadow of a monstrous transformation or supernatural burden. Fans of the romantic struggle against the werewolf curse in An American Werewolf in Paris will find similar stories here. Explore movies where love is tested by a supernatural affliction, blending romance, horror, and the fight for identity and survival.

  • romantic
  • supernatural
  • grim
  • anxious
  • identity crisis
  • bittersweet
  • Tone: dark, romantic
  • Pacing: steady, tense
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern follows a character who gains a love interest but is simultaneously burdened with a dangerous supernatural condition. The core conflict is the tension between the desire for intimacy and the threat the curse poses to the loved one. The journey involves hiding the secret, seeking a cure, and ultimately choosing between love and safety, often culminating in a resolution that is hopeful but scarred.

Why they belong together: These movies are connected by their central theme of a romance intertwined with a supernatural problem. They share a mix of romantic chemistry, horror elements related to the curse (like body horror), and a medium to high emotional weight focused on the themes of identity crisis and survival for love.

If you liked this

Movies Like An American Werewolf in Paris

Similar movies to An American Werewolf in Paris: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

An American Werewolf in Paris (1997) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about An American Werewolf in Paris in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app