Wolf Man: The Werewolf Movie That Will Change How You See Fatherhood!

Wolf Man deviates from the typical werewolf movie; instead, it delves intelligently into the theme of fatherhood, giving new depth and significance to one of the horror genre’s most recognized creatures.

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed Leigh Whannell’s remake of The Invisible Man (2020), I approached The Wolfman with a sense of uncertainty. Given how intricately Whannell handled the concept of invisibility in his previous work, the prospect of him delivering similar depth and complexity, this time with werewolves, seemed like a challenge that bordered on impossible.

For individuals like me who were raised on shows such as Teen Wolf and Twilight, werewolves have traditionally been considered less serious horror entities compared to others. Although vampires are frequently portrayed as deep and thought-provoking creatures, the beastly characteristics of werewolves often overshadow their potential for complexity and depth.

Yet, the movie “Wolf Man” challenged all my prior expectations about the film and significantly elevated the standard for portraying classic folklore in contemporary cinematography.

What is Wolf Man about?

The Wolf Man is a fresh take on the 1941 classic of the same name. Upon learning that his father Grady has been legally declared dead, Blake (Christopher Abbot) chooses to journey back with his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) to their childhood home in Oregon, which he inherited.

Due to his strained connection with his father, it’s been quite some time since Blake last visited the house where he grew up. Upon their return, Blake, his mother, and sister find themselves under attack by an unknown beast in the family residence. In order to safeguard themselves from this mysterious creature, they are compelled to take refuge within the very home of Blake’s childhood.

In concealment, Blake gradually succumbs to an illness, which consumes his entire being, dramatically changing his behavior, appearance, and other aspects. As the evening unfolds, Blake’s condition deteriorates, compelling his wife and daughter to bear witness as he spirals into madness, transforming into something almost unrecognizable from human form, all while evading the creature that lurks outside.

Grounded horror with a supernatural twist

As a dedicated fan, I must say that “Wolf Man” manages to strike an exceptional balance between chilling horror and logical reasoning, all while paying homage to the iconic werewolf that forms the core of its narrative.

Director Whannell once again demonstrates a masterful grasp of horror, using the principle that less can be more effectively terrifying. The subtle, almost unnoticeable details in the Wolf Man left me on the edge of my seat during even the quieter scenes of the movie. An undercurrent of impending disaster running throughout the film created a constant sense of tension and anticipation.

The movie builds fear gradually, primarily through tension and a deliberate, unfolding pace. Although it moves rather leisurely for most of its duration, the acceleration towards the end provides an invigorating change of speed that feels even more sinister given the significant role suspense plays in setting the stage during the initial phases.

In this story, supernatural aspects aren’t merely tossed around randomly but instead, they’re skillfully incorporated into both character progression and crucial plot points. The slow descent of Blake into madness, as the affliction gradually consumes his entire existence, is absolutely chilling. To observe a person shed every remnant of their identity and humanity, while remaining unaware or oblivious to it, is equally heart-wrenching as it is spine-tingling.

In a distinctive manner, I’ve never encountered a movie that explores the psychological intricacies of werewolves to such depth, encompassing their transformed sequences, instinctual behaviors, and untamed fury. Yet, it also raises the question about the remaining traces of humanity in those tormented by this curse.

A pointed and nuanced narrative

It’s clear that tales about werewolves have been prevalent in movies and television since their beginnings, but “Wolf Man” offers a unique perspective on this classic creature and the associated genre.

The Wolf Man combines scary moments with an intricate examination of fatherhood, showcasing the extreme measures a man might take to safeguard his loved ones from peril and threat.

At a very intense moment, Blake tells his daughter, “As a parent, there are times when you’re terrified of causing harm to your child, but sometimes it’s you who ends up being the cause of their hurt.” This statement beautifully conveys the essence of Wolf Man’s story, which is both a horror tale and an exploration of human nature.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself breathlessly startled by the jump scares, but it’s the storyline of Wolf Man that truly leaves me reeling and unsettled. Just like how The Invisible Man’s feminist perspective added depth to its horror aspects, Wolf Man’s narrative packs a powerful punch, making it more than just your average scary game.

In this story, Blake’s complex bond with his father, Grady, forms a significant base for his personal growth. The movie skillfully highlights many similarities between Blake’s past experiences with his father and his current dynamic with his daughter, Ginger.

Instead of expanding the storyline and adding complexity, Wolf Man consistently emphasizes key elements of its plot, resulting in a straightforward and impactful tale that may surprise viewers.

Held back by a lack of origins exploration

The brief account by Wolf Man was compact and uniform throughout, leaving me with a sense that the tale wasn’t fully concluded as the end credits appeared.

In this movie, I usually appreciate it when horror films allow the audience’s imagination to fill in the blanks, but the cause of the Wolf Man curse was barely explored and left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied due to the lack of insight provided. Despite the fact that this condition is clearly familiar to the locals as hinted early in the film, I felt cheated because when the movie ended, I learned no more about its origins than I did at the start.

Exploring their relationship dynamics between Blake and his father Grady further would have intensified the emotional impact of the climax, as their bond played a significant role in shaping the storyline.

Initially, Blake’s tumultuous marriage with Charlotte seems significant to the storyline, but it takes a backseat for the sake of survival. However, Garner’s performance in the movie surpasses expectations, transcending her role as a secondary character or mere prop to the leading man.

Visual and audio excellence

Wolf Man stands out among typical monster movies due to its captivating ambiance. Despite delivering the usual frightening elements you’d find in a horror film, Wolf Man is visually and auditorily delightful.

Instead of using New Zealand as a backdrop, the filmmakers cleverly chose Oregon, USA, to portray the eerie landscapes that mirrored the setting of their story. From vast open vistas to the confining closeness of the forest, the movie effectively employed its surroundings to progress the narrative.

It’s important for me not to overlook the fantastic audio design in the movie; the sound team truly pulled out all the stops when it came to making the movie shine, even during scenes without dialogue.

The intricate details such as soft whispers of overdramatic breathing, rustling leaves swaying with the wind, and intense sound effects during tense scenes, took Wolf Man to unexpected levels of quality that truly impressed me.

Wolf Man review score – 4/5

For enthusiasts of monster horror, especially those who are fond of werewolves, the movie “Wolf Man” is an absolute must-watch. In fact, Whannell’s reboot surprisingly delivers a deeply rooted, realistic experience, where its emotional depth is equally significant as the thrills and chills it provides.

Wolf Man is in US and UK cinemas on January 17, 2025.

2025-01-16 02:03