Brotherhood of the Wolf

Is it a scary monster movie about a werewolf? A sumptuous period drama with dashing hero, beautiful heroine and mysterious courtesan caught up in political and religious intrigues? A Last of the Mohicans-style adventure with an Iroquois brave fighting alongside his white blood brother? Or a swashbuckling romp? No, it's all four. Astonishingly, the scope, ambition and panache of Gans' alchemical fusion of cinematic elements turns potentially base metal into gold. Sent by King Louis XV to investigate a wolf-like creature that has been slaughtering the people of the Gévaudan region, historian Grégoire de Fronsac (Le Bihan) and his Iroquois friend Mani (Dacascos) gain help from a young marquis, Thomas d'Apcher (Rénier), and encouragement from the beautiful Marianne de Morangias (Dequenne). But they're hindered by Marianne's jealous brother Jean-François (Cassel), by rampant superstition, and by the vested interests of local aristos. A massive wolf-hunt produces a pile of carcasses, but the attacks continue. Set in 18th century France, but imbued with a 21st century sensibility, the film offers a pick 'n' mix selection of genres. A little rich for refined palates, perhaps, but open-minded genre fans will wolf it down.