Though die-hard horror fans may find initial disappointment in director Neil Jordan's decidedly more fable-oriented take on the werewolf legend, those willing to give the dreamlike The Company of Wolves a chance are bound to become ensnared in its dark and foreboding charm. Forgoing the usual shocks associated with shapeshifters, Jordan instead offers a thoughtful variation of Little Red Riding Hood which explores the loss of youthful innocence and subsequent temptations of a young woman on the verge of adulthood. Cinematographer Bryan Loftus' lens offers a lush, dark forest full of shadow-lurking threats as director Jordan establishes himself as a remarkable visual stylist in his sophomore effort. Though some heavy-handed symbolism often finds the film straddling the fine line of pretentiousness, Jordan displays an assured restraint that keeps the film successfully functioning on this level, and the viewer engaged with his protagonist's emotional peril. While the special effects may betray the film's age when it comes to the demanding werewolf transformation scenes, forgiving viewers will note that the execution of the effects scenes remains effectively chilling despite the film's relatively miniscule budget. Outside of the transformation scenes, Jordan wisely utilizes special effects sparingly (a refreshing change of pace when compared to contemporary efforts) and always for a reason. The special effects in The Company of Wolves are frequently used to reinforce the mythological symbolism which drives the film, drawing the viewer into the story and relying on thick atmosphere to maintain the horror of the film's effectively unsettling tone.