Universal Pictures’ new take on the classic monster movie “Wolf Man” is a misfire that fails to deliver scares or substance. Director Leigh Whannell’s attempt at a horror film takes a predictable route, using cheap sentimentality and obvious plot twists to tell a story of family trauma and transformation.
The movie follows Blake Lovell (played by Christopher Abbott), a father trying to reconnect with his estranged wife and young daughter after his recently deceased father’s belongings are packed up in rural Oregon. What should be a heartwarming journey is instead marred by poor pacing, laughable script reveals, and a creature that is more painful than frightening.
As the family becomes increasingly isolated in their cabin, they begin to experience strange occurrences, including Blake’s transformation into a werewolf. However, this pivotal moment is wasted on creepy sound effects rather than actual tension or suspense.
The film’s biggest problem is its handling of the monster itself – the Wolf Man is largely unseen and underwhelming, with most of its appearances feeling like a disappointment. The acting from Julia Garner and Matilda Firth as Blake’s wife and daughter are also wasted in underdeveloped roles that rely on melodrama rather than substance.
Overall, “Wolf Man” is a forgettable and poorly executed horror film that fails to deliver on its promise of terror and suspense. With a predictable plot, cheap sentimentality, and a lackluster creature design, this movie is a disappointing take on a classic monster tale.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/wolf-man-movie-review-80c9bfb14165b7ced18d8af763907d2e