Wolf Man Review: An Edge-Of-Your-Seat Thrill Ride For the Ages

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The intense horror offerings from Blumhouse in January are once again in action! Ranging from exceptional movies like M3GAN to less impressive ones such as Night Swim, expect a thrilling experience with the upcoming release in 2025 titled “Wolf Man“, which is expected to be one of their best productions in years.

Following Universal’s failed attempt at creating a shared universe for monsters with their Dark Universe project, which included Tom Cruise’s 2017 Mummy movie that didn’t spark much interest, they have since been producing standalone horror films featuring these iconic characters. Some of the notable titles from this new approach include “Renfield”, “The Last Voyage of the Demeter”, “Abigail”, and another remarkable film by director Leigh Whannell, “The Invisible Man”.

However, none have surpassed the extraordinary nature of the new Wolf Man movie, a modern take on the 1941 film. Unlike the 2010 remake directed by Joe Johnston featuring Benicio del Toro and Emily Blunt, this fresh adaptation does not draw from any characters or plotlines from that film. Instead, it presents an entirely novel story revolving around family man Blake (played by Christopher Abbott). Accompanied by his wife and daughter, they journey to the home of Blake’s late father. En route, they encounter a mysterious entity that seizes hold of Blake. There are few werewolf films as captivating as this one.

Among all the portrayals of the Wolf Man character I’ve seen so far, this one is my top pick. Despite the fact that it doesn’t feature Larry Talbot as we know him in this movie, it still manages to be a genuinely terrifying film featuring this character. Previous films directed by George Waggner and Joe Johnston had their merits, but I found Waggner’s film more of an emotional tragedy, while Johnston’s relied too heavily on excessive jump scares that didn’t quite hit the mark. James Wan, a seasoned horror specialist with works like Saw and Insidious under his belt, directs this film. His previous directorial efforts in Insidious: Chapter 3, Upgrade, and The Invisible Man have been remarkable, and he delivers an unforgettable, heart-stopping experience that will leave you breathless.

As a dedicated fan, I’d express it like this: Kicking off the movie, Whannell immerses us in a father-son hunting duo. Right from the get-go, he masterfully orchestrates tension. The suspense is palpable, and he skillfully toys with what we hear, leaving our imaginations to fill the gaps. This technique was brilliantly executed in The Invisible Man, and he continues to amaze here. He subtly hints at something sinister lurking, playing on our fears. Moreover, he uses this initial phase to portray the father’s overprotective behavior, which, as the story unfolds, reveals itself as potentially harmful.

In the narrative, we witness the transformation of the protagonist from a boy into Blake, who carries the burden of generational trauma. Blake, as a father to Ginger (Matilda Firth), strives diligently to break the cycle of abuse that was part of his own upbringing. The plot is intriguing in its exploration of an individual’s efforts to avoid repeating his father’s missteps. However, the movie does not stop at this point. Complications arise in Blake’s marriage with Charlotte (Julia Garner), and even Charlotte grapples with her own relationship concerns regarding her daughter. The intricacies of these characters are skillfully unveiled during the initial segment of the story, ensuring that the audience becomes invested in their fates as the plot unfolds further.

Blake chooses to drive his family to the house he grew up in, hoping for some quality time together. Right from when we spot them in the pickup truck heading there, you can feel the stress between them mounting and refusing to abate. The Wolf Man movie transforms into an immense source of horror. One particularly frightening scene is the one that’s shown in the trailer preview, where the truck collides and entraps our family inside. In most horror movies, this incident would be intense enough to conclude the film. However, we’re only at the beginning of the chills and suspense.

Following a frantic dash to the house, Charlotte stumbles upon a severe injury on Blake’s arm. From this point, we witness an extraordinary werewolf metamorphosis. This movie immerses viewers into Blake’s consciousness during his transformation, offering insights into his experience. Similar to how Whannell did with Upgrade, the camera work harmoniously matches his transformation events. To add to the tension, they are pursued by a werewolf just beyond their doorstep. This film is unyielding, seldom giving you a moment’s respite. As you watch this nerve-wracking movie unfold in a single evening within one location, your heart will race as if it might leap from your chest.

Similar to Jaws, Whannell strategically keeps the creature hidden most of the time, building tension through the fear of its presence and unpredictability. Each scene is expertly crafted to be heart-poundingly terrifying, causing me to flinch violently even in my seat. My body turned numb and tingled with dread, a sensation I rarely experience, having watched countless horror films. In other movies, even exceptional ones, I may occasionally check the time to see how much is left. For Wolf Man, however, I refused to look away for a moment. This film had me completely captivated, leaving me breathless.

Additionally, he excels at determining when to omit music from the scene, leaving an eerie hush to instill fear instead. Each breath and step resonate, making viewers feel as if they’re right beside the characters. His jump scares are impeccably timed. During my conversation with Whannell at New York Comic Con, he discussed his desire to produce theater-worthy experiences. In this movie, one particular jump scare stands out because it lacks the usual loud noise that typically accompanies such moments. Instead, we catch a glimpse of something in the shadows before any other characters do, and the ensuing silence sends shivers down our spine.

In essence, “The Wolf Man” shines due to its straightforwardness. Similar to movies such as “The Shining,” where a family is pursued by their male head, this film executes the concept exceptionally well. It delivers constant horror while maintaining a steady pace and seamlessly integrating character moments that are equally impressive. Moreover, director Whannell skillfully manages a narrative detail that demonstrates his faith in the audience’s ability to engage with the film. All in all, this movie is a testament to cinematic mastery: a minimalistic horror film featuring exceptional makeup effects. The build-ups and payoffs are expertly crafted. I highly recommend experiencing this movie on the big screen.

SCORE: 9/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 9 means “Excellent.” Such entertainment stands out as the best in its category, setting the bar high for all creators to aspire towards.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Wolf Man review.

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2025-01-15 20:10