Grade: C+
Imagine the most boring daytime TV forensic drama, or episode of CSI, and you have the first half of The Cycle. Characters analyze bodies, with lines about contusions, embalming fluids, and time-of-death estimations. It’s all very mechanical. Then, the second half comes to life a little bit when it turns into a werewolf creature feature. Though I liked some of what we see in this part, it takes too long to get there, and it’s not enough.
The Cycle does a clever job of subverting expectations in two instances. A kindly police officer and the single, blonde 40-year-old heroine become friendly and even go out for a cup of coffee to swap traumatic backstories. I wondered if a movie romance would form, but the screenplay puts an abrupt end to that possibility. And in the opening scene, this woman is by herself late at night in a diner, as the lights flicker, and a shady-looking employee comes out to inform her they’re about to close. For a moment, I was expecting this Shudder Original to do its thing, but no. She’s a regular at this restaurant, and therefore is acquainted with the cook.
She is Meg, a forensic anthropologist. Law enforcement pays her a visit, because they could use her help and expertise with a new case. Not to mention, there’s a personal connection. Three bodies have just been found, one of which is Meg’s father, who walked out on her and her mother in 1991. In the midst of a dull, rote first half, I came away with an admiration for Deborah Ann Woll as Meg. Her line readings and facial expressions are consistently original and inspired. Listening to her is a master class on how to interpret dialogue on the page.
The second half is where it shows the most promise. The first time we see the creature is with a thorough, specific, extended sequence. I could practically hear the crew patting each other on the back for the practical effects they’re showing off. They’re obviously proud. There’s some comedy in the scene where the heroes have locked themselves in the basement. The door can only be reopened via retinal scan, and it’s a hoot to see the werewolf’s repeated attempts to get in, crouched with its eyes at the sensors, hoping it’ll recognize them.
The middle of October was a perfect time to release The Cycle on Shudder. Its second half will get you in spooky season mode. I enjoyed the grainy VHS testimonials from characters who explain everything, and continue to explain it through the end credits. What I liked wasn’t enough to sustain it, though.
The Cycle is a movie that seems to be saving its best ideas for later, but by the time they finally arrive, I’ve already spent too much time waiting. There’s enough here to make me wish the filmmakers had gotten to the good stuff sooner, and enough of it to make me wonder what might have been with a more engaging screenplay. As it stands, the creature gets a better showcase than the human characters do.
Grade: C+
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