Review: ‘Wolf Man’ and the Identity Crisis

The Werewolf’s Return: Leigh Whannell’s Bold Take on Horror Classics

Universal’s Dark Universe floundered with 2017’s The Mummy. Now, Universal shifts focus to standalone horror masterpieces. Writer-director Leigh Whannell and producer Jason Blum spearheaded this with 2020’s The Invisible Man. The film expertly blended horror with themes of domestic abuse, setting a high bar. Now, Whannell reimagines the 1941 classic The Wolf Man. The big question remains: can Whannell craft another masterpiece?

A Legacy Reimagined

Whannell collaborates with Corbett Tuck on the script. The film follows Blake Lovell, portrayed by Christopher Abbott. Blake arrives in Oregon after his father’s mysterious death. His mission? Reconnect with his family, including his workaholic wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth). Yet, upon arrival, they’re thrust into chaos. A werewolf terrorizes them, and Blake’s encounter spirals into an unimaginable curse.

This latest installment enters a crowded genre. Countless werewolf films, from masterpieces to flops, loom over this release. The story draws comparisons to John Fawcett’s Ginger Snaps, centering on a gradual lycanthropic transformation. Both owe inspiration to David Cronenberg’s The Fly. However, unlike its predecessor, The Wolf Man struggles with its identity.

Identity Crisis Within the Script

Before Whannell’s entry, Derek Cianfrance had different plans for a Wolf Man remake with Ryan Gosling. Whannell proves adept at horror but finds challenges balancing drama and mystery. Initial attempts show promise, with a complex family dynamic at the outset. This tension mirrors Blake’s difficult past with his father and his own family struggles.

Nevertheless, the narrative shifts after a pivotal car accident. Whannell’s grand ideas unravel, leaving a muddled plot. At its core, the film features stunning prosthetic work accompanied by exceptional cinematography. Abbott, Garner, and Firth deliver compelling performances, adding gravitas in moments of tension.

As Blake’s humanity wanes, the narrative falters. The film’s identity crisis echoes the 2010 reboot with Benicio del Toro. Both suffer similar setbacks, overshadowed by execution rather than storytelling.

The Wolf Man: An Ambitious Yet Flawed Vision

In an era crowded with werewolf tales, Whannell’s fresh spin on Universal’s monster had potential. Unfortunately, execution never quite aligns with vision. Craftsmanship shines with prosthetics and technical skill, yet the narrative falters.

Abbott, Garner, and Firth deliver transformative performances. But, technical brilliance overpowers storytelling. Themes fail to mesh seamlessly with horror elements, leaving audiences craving more depth and cohesion. Ultimately, The Wolf Man leaves us wondering what might have been in this reimagining of a classic.