Curiosities

The Werewolves of Millers Hollow, the card game that inspired Netflix's 'Family Pack'

As "Family Pack" continues to rise in Netflix's charts, many are becoming interested in the game central to the story. Here, learn all about The Werewolves of Millers Hollow.

"Family Pack".
© Netflix"Family Pack".

We are always up for a good fantasy film, and Netflix knows that well. The streamer’s offering in the genre for October, “Family Pack,” skyrocketed to the top spot on the worldwide chart just hours after its release, and it’s poised to achieve similar rankings in each country, according to FlixPatrol.

The picture revolves around a family that plays a mysterious board game, which transports them to a medieval land filled with werewolves, who are eager to make victims of any villagers who cross their paths.

While the movie isn’t based on real events, it does draw inspiration from a famous French card game. Here, learn all about the entertaining The Werewolves of Millers Hollow.

Advertisement

How to play The Werewolves of Millers Hollow

The Werewolves of Millers Hollow was created in 2001 by French authors Philippe des Pallières and Hervé Marly. It may not sound familiar because it’s more widely known as a variation of the earlier game Mafia, or Werewolf, which was crafted by Russian Dimitry Davidoff in 1986.

A social deduction game that entertains players at all kinds of parties, it can be played with 8 to 47 players and begins with a person designated as the game master, who randomly assigns each player a card. Players then secretly discover their identity by looking at the card. They are divided into two teams: the townsfolk and the werewolves. The first aim to uncover and eliminate all the werewolves, while the latter try to stay undiscovered and eliminate all townspeople.

The game follows a day-night cycle. During the night, all players close their eyes, and when called by the game master, the werewolves wake up. Without speaking and by gestures, they designate a townsperson as their victim. When the day arrives, all players open their eyes, and the game master reveals the identities of the victims, who are no longer able to participate but may still watch the game. The remaining townspeople try to unmask the werewolves while they attempt to avoid detection.

Advertisement

A debate is opened to discuss who might be guilty, and when it ends, each player points to the person they believe is a werewolf. The player with the most votes is then eliminated, with their identity revealed by the game master. The game finishes when only townspeople or only werewolves remain.

Additionally, there are special roles that can vary with each version of the game. The most famous is the village’s Sheriff, a position for which any player can nominate themselves and is elected by a majority vote. This is a crucial character, because his or her vote counts as two. Now that you know the rules, you’re ready to play!

Clara is about to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Writing Arts at the National University of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her role as a writer for Spoiler US, she covers movies, TV shows, streaming platforms, celebrities, and other topics of entertainment and general interest. Since 2021, she has been working as a film critic for Bendito Spoiler, Cinema Saturno, and Peliplat, attending festivals, conducting interviews, and regularly participating in cinematic debate podcasts. Her main focus of work is in the horror genre.

ALSO READ
Debbie Harry Turns 80: 10 Blondie Songs That Changed Pop Music Forever
Celebrities

Debbie Harry Turns 80: 10 Blondie Songs That Changed Pop Music Forever

Benson Boone’s “American Heart” Soars to Global Heights
Celebrities

Benson Boone’s “American Heart” Soars to Global Heights

Is Netflix Planning KPop Demon Hunters 2? All That Is Known
Netflix

Is Netflix Planning KPop Demon Hunters 2? All That Is Known

Brad Pitt’s “F1” Movie Revs Up the Global Box Office
Movies

Brad Pitt’s “F1” Movie Revs Up the Global Box Office

Receive the latest news in your E-mail box

Registering implies accepting the Terms and Conditions

Better Collective Logo