Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wolf Man.
The recent adaptation of Wolf Man has ignited mixed reactions from critics, focusing on issues such as its shallow storyline and lackluster werewolf design. This film, directed by Leigh Whannell, marks his second reinvention of a Universal Monsters classic, following his successful retelling of The Invisible Man in 2020. This latest iteration stars Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner as Blake and Charlotte Lovell, a married couple who travel to a haunted Oregon farm to sort through Blake’s deceased father’s belongings, only to confront a local werewolf.
Despite the potential for a riveting narrative, critics have largely expressed disappointment, leaving the film with a “rotten”score of 52% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some outlets, such as Sight & Sound and The New York Times, offered positive reviews, many others like The Independent and The Los Angeles Times were less favorable. The majority of reviews, including those from Empire, The Washington Post, and RogerEbert.com, provide mixed evaluations, underscoring the film’s strengths alongside its notable weaknesses. So what exactly has led to such a divided critical response?
10 Wolf Man Creates an Atmospheric Setting, Lacks True Frights
Whannell excels at crafting a disquieting atmosphere, reminiscent of classic horror films like those from Universal and Hammer, similar to his approach in The Invisible Man. The depiction of night fog enveloping the hills and the strategic use of low lighting contribute to the feeling that something menacing could emerge from the shadows. Furthermore, the film’s early scenes skillfully tease glimpses of the monster, engaging the audience’s imagination.
Nevertheless, the film fails to deliver substantial scares. While The Invisible Man thrived on tension and terror, Wolf Man does not replicate this intensity. It includes a few memorable jump scares, such as when the werewolf leaps onto the car, but fails to sustain the fear factor.
9 Wolf Man’s Narrative Lacks Depth
The initial act of Wolf Man presents intriguing character dynamics, particularly with Blake’s father’s obsession with the local werewolf that seemingly hampers his son’s upbringing. This setup establishes Blake as a devoted father while hinting at Charlotte’s struggle to connect emotionally with their daughter. Furthermore, the couple’s failing marriage adds a layer of complexity to the horror narrative.
However, once these threads are introduced, they are not sufficiently explored. Blake fails to articulate his strained relationship with his father, while the reasons for his and Charlotte’s marital struggles remain ambiguous, leaving audiences uninvested in their potential reconciliation.
8 Wolf Man Does Not Live Up to Its Inspirations
The film undeniably wears its influences, such as The Fly and An American Werewolf in London, on its sleeve; however, it falls short in making effective comparisons. While it attempts to merge body horror elements with a tragic narrative, it lacks the emotional resonance of The Fly and the shock value present in An American Werewolf in London.
By inviting comparison to such iconic films, Wolf Man inadvertently highlights its own deficiencies, leading critics to voice dissatisfaction with what they perceived as a subpar adaptation. For those considering a viewing, classic options like The Fly may prove to be a better choice.
7 Wolf Man Struggles with Thematic Execution
Whannell gained acclaim for intertwining horror themes with societal commentary in The Invisible Man, utilizing the narrative to explore issues like domestic abuse. Unfortunately, in Wolf Man, the thematic exploration falls flat. The film attempts to connect werewolf lore with generational trauma, yet this correlation comes off as contrived. The notion that a father’s protective nature could unintentionally harm his child lacks substantiation and nuance, as it is entirely feasible to have a nurturing parent.
6 Wolf Man Peaks Early with a Strong Opening Scene
The film’s prologue, set in 1995, presents a far superior storyline compared to what follows. In this opening scene, Blake’s father takes him on a hunting trip, during which they encounter an unsettling figure in the distance and are subsequently tormented by an unseen beast. This expertly crafted sequence is filled with tension and leaves a lasting impression of dread.
However, when the narrative transitions to the present, the film loses its way, devolving into a conventional creature feature devoid of excitement.
5 Wolf Man’s Strong Cast Lacks On-Screen Chemistry
Both Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner are outstanding actors renowned for their performances in acclaimed series and films. Garner’s portrayal in Ozark and Abbott’s roles in Catch-22 and It Comes at Night exemplify their talents. Initially, they seem well-suited for a horror film intertwining relevant themes with character-driven drama.
Yet, their performances as a married couple fail to convince; their dynamic lacks the chemistry necessary to authenticate their troubled relationship. Given the film’s premise as a love story masquerading as a horror film, the absence of palpable romantic tension is a notable misstep.
4 Wolf Man Exhibits Flawed Pacing
The pacing of Wolf Man suffers from inconsistencies, alternating between rapid progression and drawn-out stretches of inactivity. While the initial act propels the narrative forward swiftly with Blake’s plan to clear out his father’s estate, the story quickly stalls as they encounter the werewolf on their way, infecting Blake almost immediately.
This exhilarating opening sets high expectations, but the film fails to maintain its momentum, leading to viewer frustration.
3 Wolf Man’s Twists Lack Surprise
Successful horror films often hinge on their ability to deliver unexpected twists. Notably, Whannell’s earlier work in Saw features one of the most memorable twists in horror cinema. Unfortunately, the plot twists in Wolf Man lack the same punch.
Many supposed surprises can be easily predicted, with the plot’s central conflict revolving around Blake’s father being the werewolf—a revelation flagged early in the film and treated as a climactic twist by the conclusion.
2 Wolf Man Attempts an Interesting Psychological Angle, Falls Flat
Whannell seeks to explore the psychological dimensions of lycanthropy, presenting it as a contagion that Blake faces after being scratched. Initially, this concept offers a refreshing take on the werewolf mythos. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly tedious to watch Blake grapple with his condition, which involves little action and excessive passive observation.
While the juxtaposition of Charlotte and Blake’s perspectives through werewolf vision provides a novel angle, the execution falters, resulting in an effect reminiscent of amateur After Effects work.
1 Wolf Man’s Werewolf Design Leaves Much to Be Desired
One of the film’s most significant shortcomings resides in its werewolf design, which disappoints given the genre’s rich history of iconic creatures. Previous adaptations have showcased lasting visual impacts through effective practical effects, as seen in An American Werewolf in London and the Underworld series.
After an hour of buildup to Blake’s transformation, audiences are met with a lackluster depiction—featuring only minor alterations like puffiness in the face and superficial claw-like appendages, leaving viewers craving a more powerful and unforgettable creature design.
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