The Jaw Dropping Truth About The Wolf Man Revealed

The Invisible Man director's latest spin on a Universal Monster prioritizes craft over story. There’s a shot in Wolf Man that’s so good, it’s used twice. A parent and child – first father and son, then mother and daughter – are hiding in a hunter’s deer blind in the damp Oregon woods, cowering from an unseen threat. We hear that threat growling and panting, the camera angled upwards, making the surroundings feel claustrophobic and the danger all too real.

This moment encapsulates the entirety of the Wolf Man experience – technically proficient, yet narratively lacking. Director Leigh Whannell has proven himself to be a master of building tension and discomfort through the use of long takes and clever camerawork. Every frame feels meticulously crafted, from the eerie lighting to the unnerving sound design.

However, the story being told is all too familiar. We follow a simple, predictable arc, with characters making illogical decisions and the plot meandering towards its inevitable conclusion. It’s disappointing to see such a unique approach to filmmaking be coupled with a narrative that feels like it’s been done before.

Despite this, there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout the film. A subplot involving a grieving mother and her daughter adds a layer of depth to the story, exploring themes of loss and trauma in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt. The performances, too, are top-notch, with the cast bringing a sense of gravity to the proceedings that elevates the material.

Ultimately, the Wolf Man is a film that will leave viewers feeling conflicted. On one hand, the sheer craftsmanship on display is a wonder to behold, with Whannell and his team pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the horror genre. On the other hand, the narrative fails to deliver, relying on tired tropes and stereotypes to drive the story forward.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that this could have been something truly special. With a bit more attention paid to the story, the Wolf Man could have been a classic, a film that would be remembered for years to come. As it stands, it’s a technically impressive, yet narratively flawed, take on a Universal Monster that prioritizes style over substance.