First Moon (2025) Review

First Moon (2025) Review

Starring THE CONJURING 2’s Lauren Esposito and with creature design by Emmy Award-winning SFX artist, Thomas E. Surprenant (STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE GRINCH, HALLOWEEN H20, THE CAT IN THE HAT, and more), this horror sinks its teeth into the lore of the werewolf, giving it a fresh and cult-y twist.

Young waitress Jessica (Lauren Esposito) is captured by a religious cult. The cult takes immense pleasure in torturing her as she learns that it is probable that she will become a fanged beast come next full moon following sexual intercourse with Thomas, played by Julian Curtis (ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?). That’s right, becoming a lycanthrope can be sexually transmitted.

It’s a unique and intriguing concept however FIRST MOON sinks under the weight of near-constant lifeless chatter. I had less chance of being scared to death and more chance of being talked to death. There’s the occasional splash of gore to liven things up however the near constant soundtrack of yelling and screaming along with the near endless dialogue scenes dim the effect. This is a shame as the acting is fine and it offers a decent and unique spin on the werewolf legend. Some editing would have helped the pacing and made it less static and stagey.