Wolf Man attempts to transform the classic Universal monster with a modern twist, aiming for a feminist empowerment narrative reminiscent of Alien or The Invisible Man. Julia Garner stars as Charlotte, who must confront the monstrous transformation of her husband, Blake (Christopher Abbott), after a family retreat to a secluded Oregon farmhouse goes horrifically awry.
Garner delivers an authentic and emotionally compelling performance, embodying strength and vulnerability as she navigates the terror unfolding within her family. Her tear-filled expressions of terror go beyond surface-level fear—they reveal the profound weight of Charlotte’s anguish and the sheer effort it takes to hold herself together for her daughter. Garner’s ability to convey so much emotion in a single glance or shuddering breath makes every moment feel achingly real, as if we’re watching someone fight for her very soul. Unfortunately, Abbott struggles to meet her intensity.
Blake is a character torn between his humanity and the primal beast overtaking him. While the physicality of his performance is commendable—his snarls and contorted movements capture the visceral horror of transformation—Abbott’s portrayal feels superficial. Even in the film’s climactic moments, where the narrative demands emotional depth and gut-wrenching vulnerability, his performance remains frustratingly hollow.
Director Leigh Whannell again demonstrates her knack for building intense moments, ala The Invisible Man. She cloaks the monster in darkness and blurry camera movements while deploying several slow-building jump-scares and moments of body horror that are grotesque and visceral, reminescent of the discomfort of The Fly. These are some of the most memorable moments of the film.
Unfortunately, not everything lands. The werewolf makeup, especially during Blake’s transformation, lacks the primal terror of the genre’s best. Instead of evoking awe and fear, the design occasionally comes off as underwhelming and cheesy. Given the film’s reliance on practical effects over CGI, this feels like a missed opportunity to elevate the creature’s menace.
Despite this shortcoming, Wolf Man remains an enjoyable feminist reimagining of a classic monster tale. Still, one can’t help but wonder what the film might have achieved with a more terrifying performance at its center.
RHFM Rating: 5/10 🍿
