After his deeply personal and touching debut film “Thunder Road,” director, writer and actor Jim Cummings takes his efforts in a different direction in the form of a comedy-infused werewolf horror flick “The Wolf of Snow Hollow.” It was released in limited theaters and On Demand on Oct 9. The film cemented Cummings as one of the best up and coming voices in film. 

“The Wolf of Snow Hollow” follows Officer John Marshall, played by Cummings, as he and his local police department try to solve a set of grisly murders that leave townsfolk believing there’s a werewolf on the loose. Marshall not only has to deal with a monster terrorizing the town, he is also trying to balance his struggle with alcoholism, being a father while facing his father’s declining health as the standing sheriff, who is played by Robert Forster. 

There’s an undeniable pull towards Cummings as a filmmaker. Cummings’ personality both in front and behind the camera is so sincere and personal, it’s hard not to love what he has created. “Thunder Road” had its fair share of comedy, but at the root of that film was a moving story about a father dealing with grief while trying to be the best father he could be. And while “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” is a horror film with its bloodstained moments, the same sentiments of a comedy and a film surrounded by sensitive and affecting themes are all intact.  

The biggest strength of “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” is how well all of the moving parts work together. The unique sense of quirky and black humor Cummings brings alongside the horror sequences flow well together and not against each other. It’s easy to tell Cummings brings out the best out of everyone and it makes “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” an extremely engaging experience. 

With Cummings’ second film released to the public, Cummings has a remarkable talent at making the audience care for his characters. Cummings’ performance is hilarious, irresistible and genuine, even when Marshall is struggling with life and work and can be very much an asshole. Forster is as cool as he’s always been — the cowboy type of guy with a remarkable on-screen presence. Officer Julia Robson is played by Riki Lindhome. Lindhome compliments Cummings nicely as she’s often the hard worker who’s quiet with a friendly and warm personality within her performance. 

Where “The Wolf of Snow Hollow ” falters is the 83 minute runtime. After the opening sequence, the film is paced nicely until the climax of the film. It feels like the film could have benefited from an extra scene or two at that point. 

After his remarkable outing with “Thunder Road,” Cummings had an opportunity to really go above and beyond with his second feature.  “The Wolf of Snow Hollow” doesn’t exceed those expectations; it more or less stays in Cummings’ wheelhouse. That isn’t entirely a bad thing. Cummings has made yet another good signature movie, but it’s reasonable to expect some growth. 

With the tense and comedy induced werewolf horror film “The Wolf of Snow Hollow,” Cummings has carved out a sensational corner in the film industry with his first two films because of his personality, humor and vulnerability that make him a noteworthy creative to keep an eye out for in the future.