Leigh Whannell is a driving force behind some of my favorite horror films and franchises over the past two decades. He is the creative mind behind the iconic Insidious and Saw franchises, both of which have left a lasting mark on the horror genre. In addition to these franchises, Whannell has also proven his talent for reimagining classic Universal Monsters. His 2020 film, The Invisible Man, co-written and directed by him and featuring standout performances by Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Haunting of Hill House), was nothing short of spectacular. Now, Whannell, alongside his wife Corbett Tuck, is set to take on their next challenge with Wolf Man.

WOLF MAN GETS A LOT RIGHT

(from left) Charlotte (Julia Garner), Ginger (Matilda Firth) and Blake (Christopher Abbott) in Wolf Man, directed by Leigh Whannell.

So, the story of Wolf Man is simple. A man dealing with daddy issues takes his family to his secluded childhood home in rural Oregon to clear out the house of his late father. While there an accident happens that turns him into a wolf…man. The film is visually stunning and expertly crafts tension, showcasing Whannell’s signature style. With a few well-timed jump scares that catch you off guard, the movie effectively heightens the suspense.

The cast is truly exceptional. I fell in love with Christopher Abbott during his time in the acclaimed series Girls, and his performance as Blake is nothing less than remarkable. I experienced every moment of his transformation. The film features significant body horror, and without his dedication, it wouldn’t have had the same impact. Lon Channey would certainly be proud.

Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) proves once again that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her portrayal of Charlotte transcends the stereotype of a frightened wife; instead, the character is rich with complexity and emotional depth, grappling with difficult choices that no wife or mother would ever wish to face.

WHERE THE FILM LOST ME

Christopher Abbott as Blake in Wolf Man, directed by Leigh Whannell

Wolf Man is easily used as an allegory for generational trauma. Overcoming our inner demons requires effort, and our parents inevitably leave their marks on us. Ultimately, it’s our responsibility to either rise above these challenges or succumb to them. I believe this had the potential to be an excellent story, but it lacks a solid narrative to support it. Instead, the film feels more like a slice-of-life horror drama, offering little in terms of explanation or genuine resolution. While it’s true that sometimes things occur without explanation in life, that’s not the kind of storytelling I prefer in a film.

I also want to discuss the Wolf Man makeup design. There was a lot of discourse around the design seen at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. I agree, it didn’t look great. However, the final version of the film doesn’t look much better. After the slow burn transformation, the final form reminds me of a burned version of the Sleepwalkers cat people. Award-winning make-up artist Rick Baker raised the standard with his work on An American Werewolf in London, even securing an Academy Award for his design in 2011’s The Wolfman starring Benicio del Toro. While I appreciate the desire to innovate, it seems excessive to deviate so drastically from what has already proven successful. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Wolf Man will be released in theaters on Friday, January 17! Comment below and let me know your thoughts!

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