The film is set in a medieval village named Daggerhorn, surrounded by a dense and ominous forest inhabited by a werewolf. The climax of the film occurs when the village is terrorized by the werewolf, and a young woman named Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) discovers that she has a unique connection to the creature.
Valerie is in love with a woodcutter named Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), but her parents arrange for her to marry Henry (Max Irons), the son of a wealthy blacksmith. This love triangle becomes a central conflict in the story. Meanwhile, the villagers live in fear of the werewolf, who only appears during the blood-red moon.
When Valerie’s sister is killed by the werewolf, the villagers turn to a famed werewolf hunter, Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), for help. Solomon arrives in Daggerhorn and reveals that the werewolf is among them in human form during the day. He introduces a plan to uncover the creature’s identity before the next blood-red moon.
The narrative takes unexpected turns as secrets are revealed, suspicions arise, and Valerie discovers her own connection to the supernatural events. The climax involves a confrontation between the villagers and the werewolf, leading to the unmasking of the creature’s human identity.
In the resolution, Valerie learns about her unique abilities and the ancient connection her family has with the werewolf. The film concludes with Valerie embracing her newfound power and the possibility of a different future.
“Red Riding Hood” received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmospheric visuals and criticism for its deviation from the traditional fairy tale. The movie explores themes of love, identity, and the consequences of unchecked superstition in a visually striking and Gothic setting.