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As long as there have been vampires, there have also been werewolves. These mysterious creatures, rooted in horror, are often the lead characters of films that delve into the mythology and lore surrounding them. The latest entry, Wolf Man, directed by Leigh Whannell and co-written with Corbett Tuck, offers yet another werewolf-centered tale. Adapted from George Waggner’s 1941 classic, Wolf Man is an intriguing and gory creature feature that explores themes of generational trauma, family, and fear. However, it’s not without its flaws, like pacing.
Wolf Man Review
The story follows Blake (Christopher Abbott), whose father went missing years ago from their rural Oregon hometown. Now that his father is officially presumed dead, Blake must return to his childhood home to settle family affairs. Shortly after arriving with his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth), the family is attacked by an unknown yet deadly creature. In the chaos, Blake is scratched while trying to protect his family. As time passes by, Blake begins to act strangely and undergoes a horrifying transformation, leaving Charlotte racing against time to save her husband and protect her daughter.
The cast of Wolf Man is undoubtedly impressive. Abbott portrays Blake with an unsettling intensity, bestowing upon us a character that is both threatening and anguished. Garner complements him with her portrayal of a woman torn between love and fear as she fights to save her husband. Firth also stands out as the clever and resourceful Ginger, showcasing real potential in the horror genre. Next to the great choices made for the cast, Whannell’s skill as a seasoned horror filmmaker continues to shine through in Wolf Man. Known for co-writing and starring in James Wan’s Saw and directing The Invisible Man, Whannell masterfully builds tension and dread throughout his newest horror. The film’s cinematography adds another layer of unease, as the crew utilizes the ominous woods surrounding the cabin to heighten the fear of the unknown.
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What truly sets Wolf Man apart as a creature feature is its unique approach to Blake’s transformation. Arjen Tuiten, the makeup artist and prosthetics designer, creates a visceral and monstrous depiction of Blake’s descent into lycanthropy. Viewers witness the horrifying details—boils forming on his face from body heat, teeth and fingernails falling out, and hair thinning as Blake’s humanity fades. Perhaps most compelling is the shift in perspective: the film alternates between Charlotte and Ginger’s point of view and Blake’s internal struggle as he battles his growing inability to understand his family while grappling with what he’s becoming.
At its core, Wolf Man explores the cyclical nature of generational trauma. Blake’s story examines how people often strive to avoid becoming like their parents, only to unintentionally pass their own scars to their children. Whannell dedicates the first part of the film to establishing Blake’s bond with Ginger and his determination not to become like his father (Sam Jaeger)—a man consumed by anger and impulsiveness.
Despite its strengths, the film also has its shortcomings. The pacing is uneven in some places, and one particular issue arises at the beginning of the film. The opening includes a prelude about missing hikers in Oregon and mentions Indigenous people’s position on werewoves and describes them as “the face of the wolf.” However, Whannell fails to specify which Indigenous Nation, language, or region he’s referencing. This lack of detail reflects a missed opportunity for deeper exploration and land acknowledgment. It would have been far more impactful if the film had acknowledged the Indigenous Nation native to Oregon where film’s plot is set and incorporated their unique perspectives on werewolves, as these beliefs often vary widely between Nations.
Ultimately, Wolf Man is a gruesome, intense, and captivating addition to the werewolf subgenre. Whannell even includes a clever nod to the iconic bathroom scene from Saw, making the gory elements all the more memorable. While the film’s flaws are worth noting, its strengths ensure it remains a bloody and thrilling ride for horror enthusiasts.
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Grade: B-
Wolf Man is premiering in cinemas on January 17th.
The Wolf Man
With his marriage fraying, Blake persuades his wife Charlotte to take a break from the city and visit his remote childhood home in rural Oregon. As they arrive at the farmhouse in the dead of night, they're attacked by an unseen animal and barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter. But as the night stretches on, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable.
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Director: Leigh Whannell Derek Cianfrance
Cast: Julia Garner , Christopher Abbott , Sam Jaeger
