Moon of the Wolf

Moon of the Wolf

Year: 1972

Runtime: 75 mins

Language: English

Director: Daniel Petrie

HorrorMysteryThrillerHorror

When the full moon rises over rural Louisiana, deadly secrets creep from the shadows. After a string of brutal murders claims several locals, the county sheriff begins to suspect that a werewolf may be stalking the town, forcing him to confront ancient folklore and a growing wave of terror.

Moon of the Wolf (1972) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Moon of the Wolf (1972) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the tangled swamps of rural Louisiana, the full moon casts a silver veil over the quiet town of Marsh Island, coaxing ancient whispers out of the cypress‑shrouded night. The air hums with a mix of southern hospitality and something more primal, as locals trade stories of the loup‑garou—a shape‑shifting legend that has lingered in the bayou long before the first steamboat arrived. The film’s tone is steeped in moody, atmospheric dread, letting the ever‑present mist and the distant call of night birds amplify a sense that the land itself holds secrets too old to be spoken aloud.

At the heart of this uneasy tableau stands Aaron Whitaker, the county sheriff whose steady, methodical approach to law is tested by rumors that defy logic. Whitaker’s sense of duty clashes with the folklore that his community clings to, forcing him to navigate a thin line between rational investigation and the superstitious undercurrents that flow through the town’s veins. He is joined by Andrew Rodanthe, a member of the once‑prominent Rodanthe family who volunteers to aid the sheriff, bringing with him a legacy of privilege and an uneasy familiarity with the region’s hidden past. Louise Rodanthe, Andrew’s sister, offers a quiet intelligence and an unexpected fluency in the French traditions that hint at the origins of the local myths.

As the moon climbs higher, the uneasy alliance among Whitaker, the Rodanthe siblings, and the rest of the tightly knit community is colored by suspicion, old grudges, and the ever‑present dread that something else may be prowling the shadows. The film invites viewers to feel the weight of the swamp’s darkness, the pull of ancestral stories, and the tension of a lawman forced to confront a terror that cannot be measured by evidence alone. The stage is set for a confrontation between modern authority and the lingering, shape‑shifting folklore that haunts Marsh Island.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:03

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Small town supernatural mysteries like Moon of the Wolf

Stories where a local investigator unravels a dark supernatural threat.If you liked the investigative pacing and folk horror elements of Moon of the Wolf, you'll find more movies like it here. These films feature small-town settings, a procedural mystery driven by a local sheriff or outsider, and a slow-burn reveal of a supernatural threat tied to the community's secrets.

investigativefolk horrorsmall townsuspensefulatmospherictensegritty

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a rational protagonist, often a sheriff or outsider, who is initially skeptical of supernatural explanations. As the evidence mounts and the threat becomes undeniable, the story methodically peels back layers of local history, family secrets, or a forgotten curse, culminating in a direct and often tragic confrontation with the paranormal entity.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific blend of crime procedural and supernatural horror. They focus on the process of investigation within a confined community, creating a cohesive experience defined by steady pacing, a dark tone, and the chilling realization that folklore is real.

Tragic werewolf and monster curse movies like Moon of the Wolf

Horror tales where the real monster is a hereditary fate.Fans of the sad ending and emotional weight of Moon of the Wolf will appreciate these similar movies. This list features horror stories where the monster is a tragic figure, often due to a family curse, blending supernatural scares with poignant character drama and bittersweet resolutions.

tragicmelancholicfolk horrorfearfulsombergothic

Narrative Summary

The narrative often follows a character who is either aware of or discovers their cursed heritage. The conflict is deeply personal, pitting the protagonist against their own nature or family history. The journey is marked by a sense of inevitable tragedy, leading to an ending that resolves the immediate threat but carries a heavy emotional cost, often involving sacrifice or death.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their focus on the pathos of the monster. The similarity lies in the blend of classic horror with a melodramatic or tragic character arc, where the supernatural element is a metaphor for inherited trauma or an inescapable destiny, resulting in a uniquely sad and thoughtful horror experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Moon of the Wolf

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Moon of the Wolf Summary

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Moon of the Wolf Summary

Moon of the Wolf Timeline

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Moon of the Wolf Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Moon of the Wolf

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Moon of the Wolf

More About Moon of the Wolf

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