Based on Stephen King’s novella Cycle of the Werewolf, Silver Bullet (1985) is a unique blend of a coming-of-age story and a classic creature feature. It stands out for its atmospheric 1970s setting and its focus on a young protagonist facing a supernatural threat that the adults in his town refuse to acknowledge.
The Plot
The quiet town of Tarker’s Mills is gripped by fear when a series of gruesome, unexplained murders begins to occur during the nights of the full moon. While the local authorities believe a serial killer is on the loose, 13-year-old Marty Coslaw—a paraplegic boy who gets around in a custom, motorized wheelchair dubbed the “Silver Bullet”—stumbles upon a terrifying truth: the killer is actually a werewolf.
After a narrow escape where he manages to wound the beast, Marty realizes the creature is hiding in plain sight as a member of the community during the day. With the help of his rebellious older sister, Jane, and his eccentric, alcoholic Uncle Red, Marty begins a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse to identify and stop the monster. As the next full moon approaches, the trio must prepare for a final confrontation before the werewolf can silence the only witnesses to its existence.
Cast & Crew
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Director: Daniel Attias
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Lead Actors:
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Corey Haim as Marty Coslaw
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Gary Busey as Uncle Red
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Megan Follows as Jane Coslaw
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Supporting Cast:
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Everett McGill as Reverend Lowe
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Terry O’Quinn as Sheriff Joe Haller
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Lawrence Tierney as Owen Knopfler
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Vibe & Style
The film is widely remembered for the chemistry between Corey Haim and Gary Busey, whose “cool uncle” dynamic provides the emotional heart of the movie. While it features plenty of 80s-era practical effects and suspense, it also captures the nostalgia of small-town life and the frustration of being a child who knows a truth the world isn’t ready to believe.
