Director: Leigh Whannell
Writer: Leigh Whannell, Corbett Tuck
Stars: Julia Garner, Leigh Whannell, Christopher Abbott
Synopsis: A family at a remote farmhouse faces a terrifying threat from an unseen creature. As night falls, the father begins a shocking transformation.
Leigh Whannell made quite a splash with his 2020 reboot of The Invisible Man. Many were impressed by its cleverness and unique approach to the horror genre. That film set high expectations for what he might create next. Now, he’s back with Wolf Man, but this time, things feel different.
Unlike its predecessor, Wolf Man opts for a more primal and less polished tone. The story follows Blake (Christopher Abbott), a father who moves his wife and daughter from New York to his late father’s estate in Oregon to mend their family. However, their troubles deepen when Blake encounters a monstrous secret lurking in the woods.
Whannell attempts to blend fantasy with real emotions, portraying the wolf man as a victim of a savage disease. The film starts with a dark atmosphere, but instead of building suspense like The Invisible Man, it leans on dim lighting and familiar horror tropes.
The first act aims to establish a connection with the audience through the emotional struggles of its characters. Unfortunately, awkward dialogue and predictable plot twists hinder any real emotional impact. Instead of feeling for the characters, viewers might find themselves distracted by clichéd lines.
While there are moments of heart, they often get lost amid the recycled themes seen in countless other films. It’s hard to connect deeply when the characters feel so familiar, offering nothing new or exciting.
On the other hand, the film does deliver on violence and gore, showcasing some gruesome scenes. Whannell’s background with the Saw series is evident, and the camera lingers on the violent moments. However, as thrilling as these scenes are, they raise the question: does shock value alone make a film memorable? In Wolf Man, the answer is no. While you might wince at the shocking visuals, you’ll likely leave the theater without a reason to return.
The film follows predictable paths, lacking innovative storytelling or compelling character development. Its attempts to emphasize key moments often feel misplaced, leading to an overall lackluster experience.
In the end, Wolf Man feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering Whannell’s talent and reputation. It might be entertaining to watch with friends for a casual horror movie night, but it lacks the depth and originality to be genuinely engaging. It’s a forgettable addition to the genre, disappointing in its execution.
Grade: C
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