Lantern openings: Werewolves and Moomins

Above : “Werewolves Within” opens Friday at the Magic Lantern Theatre. (Photo/IFC Films)

I recently wrote about a fictional character that I’d never heard of, despite his having earned immense popularity in France beginning in 1905. The character: the gentleman burglar Arséne Lupin .

And my education continues. On Friday, the Magic Lantern will open two new films. And one, which is titled “Tove,” is a biographical study of the Finnish writer Tove Jansson , author of the “Moomins” series of books and cartoon strips. Subtitled in English, the languages spoken are Swedish, Finnish, English and French.

The other movie is titled “Werewolves Within.”

“Tove,” directed by Finnish filmmaker Zaida Bergroth , is about the gestation of Jansson (1914-2001) as an artist/illustrator/author. Jansson is played by actress Alma Pöysti not as a “dreamy” type but, as The New Yorker’s Anthony Lane describes, “awake, alert, and practical, with a challenging smile, a snub nose, a natty dress sense, and a strong inclination to dance.”

“What distinguishes ‘Tove’ from lesser fare, like ‘Saving Mr. Banks,’ is that the protagonist is rarely in danger of being explained away,” Lane wrote. “The roots of her inventiveness lie bedded deep, where they belong, and Jansson herself cannot quite account for the ensuing blooms.”

Adds Leslie Felperin of the Hollywood Reporter, “The film doesn’t particularly require in-depth knowledge of Moominism and can be enjoyed for its bright performances, on-point costumes and sets, and empathic portrait of young love.”

“Werewolves Within,” directed by Josh Ruben, is an American adaptation of the Ubisoft videogame . Sam Richardson stars as a park ranger who joins a group, sheltering from a storm, who are in danger from a slash-crazed killer.

Tamara Lafly of Variety wrote, “Unafraid to sink its teeth into current affairs, ‘Werewolves Within’… has the kind of sharp bite that feels fresh, even fearless.”

And David Erlich of IndieWire adds, “That starts with Richardson, who steps into a leading role with more than enough charisma and clear-eyed goodness to anchor the rest of Ruben’s ensemble cast.”

Moomins and werewolves, who could ask for anything more?