Wolf Man

Giving this the January kiss of death release date might’ve been a little harsh. Or maybe it’s a sign that studios are just dumping their worst slop directly on streaming nowadays. Regardless, there’s some good stuff going on here. It’s relatively well made, even if it’s lacking some of the personality that Whannell brought to _The Invisible Man_ and _Upgrade_. Christopher Abbott continues to be a fantastic actor and it sucks that mainstream audiences first get to know this guy through this and _Kraven_. There are even some solid sound design choices I found pretty creative. However, the movie as a whole lacks a pulse, as the story, characters and horror elements are all executed in a way I found pretty run of the mill. Furthermore, there are no memorable scenes here that’ll stick with me in the long term. Look it’s still a better way to spend your time than _Emilia Perez_, so this thing is arguably Oscar worthy, but for me it was quite a disappointment having really liked Whannell’s recent work. 4/10

“Wolf Man” delivers an engaging and tragic story that leans into human emotion over traditional horror. The father-daughter dynamic stands out, with Christopher Abbott giving a strong performance, while Julia Garner is promising but not yet a standout draw. The film avoids overused jump-scare tactics, opting for quiet, anxiety-filled tension that complements its immersive visuals and effective use of practical effects. While the dialogue is functional and fitting, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression, and the pacing is very managed. Overall, “Wolf Man” provides a fresh perspective on the werewolf sub-genre, focusing on transformation and its impact on family, even if it’s not destined for long-term recognition.