Beautiful young Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is in love with brooding woodcutter Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but at the behest of her parents (Virginia Madsen and Billy Burke), is due to marry wealthy blacksmith's son Henry (Max Irons). Deciding to flee the medieval village of Daggerhorn with her true love, Valerie is stopped in her tracks when the wolf that has been terrorising the town attacks and kills her sister, Lucie.
The community had previously kept the beast at bay with a monthly sacrifice of livestock, but following Lucie's death they decide to call in wolf hunter Father Solomon (Gary Oldman) to rid them of the creature for good. Solomon reveals that the villagers have a werewolf on their hands, and if anyone is bitten during the week of a 'blood moon', they will be transformed themselves. As the townspeople fight to survive, however, Valerie is shocked to discover she shares a deep connection with the mysterious beast.
Director Catherine Hardwicke follows Twilight with an enchanting update of classic fairytale Red Riding Hood. This teen fantasy has noticeable similarities to the all-conquering vampire saga, including a werewolf, and a winsome heroine torn between hunky suitors.
Doing her best with some slightly clunky dialogue, Seyfried is impressive and cuts a striking figure in the iconic red cloak. Veterans Oldman and Julie Christie, meanwhile, enhance the cast with enjoyably larger-than-life performances.
Red Riding Hood is a Film programme that first aired in 2011 and has been classified a 12 certificate.
