⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
In the current steady stream of horror-inspired films, Australian director Leigh Whannell (Upgrade, The Invisible Man) has begun to establish himself as an artist set apart. He has established himself in the industry to develop character-driven films within a genre that can be dominated by jump scares and gore. The Invisible Man was one of the most innovative films in recent memory, and it delivered a refreshing take on a well-worn property. Upgrade was one of those underappreciated cinematic gems of the past few years that is worth discovering.
Wolf Man continues Universal’s hope to reinvigorate and re-introduce their classic horror-based characters to a new generation. Admittedly, there have been a plethora of werewolf tales to choose from over the years. Still, in Leigh Whannell’s hands, there will be a twist that many may not have considered about this creature. As the writer/director does a deep dive into the effects of degenerative disease on extended family members, he introduces Blake (Christopher Abbott) and his family. This lead character was raised in the isolationist world of Oregon but now lives in San Francisco with his journalist wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and their daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth). After Blake’s father (Sam Jaeger) is declared dead, the family decides to head into the wilderness of the American Northwest to pack up the house and get some time together. Until an accident leads them to confront an unknown beast in the wilderness that will have a long-lasting effect on all of their lives.
Depending on the familiarity audiences have with The Wolf Man (1941) storyline, there is a predictability to much of the story’s arc. Yet, within these necessary trappings, Leigh Whannell and co-writer Corbett Tuck weave in a unique family drama wrapped in a subtle horrific brilliance that nods the classic film while giving it a modern spin. With homages to other classics within this genre, such as The Fly (1986) and The American Werewolf in London (1981), the team uses practical effects and capitalises on the use of light and shadows to deliver the spine-tingling elements of this film. One element that stands out is how they showed the struggles of communication as the transformation occurred in Blake’s physicality. Not to say that there isn’t gore and suspense for horror fans to embrace, but there is a filmmaking artistry that allows this film to stand out in the era.
Among the creative filmmaking techniques employed by those behind the camera, the component that makes this work would be the cast. Award-winning actors Christopher Abbott (Catch-22) and Julia Garner (Ozark) deliver the physicality and emotional turmoil needed to simultaneously make this captivating and heartbreaking. Since the family is at the core of this screenplay, their marriage struggles and love for their daughter provide a strong platform for this supernatural experience to feel plausible. Despite some noticeable plot holes and storyline discrepancies, there was little to discredit this film as an entertaining choice during this season.
Wolf Man continues to prove that Leigh Whannell is a talent worth watching in the future. His creation should satisfy the harshest beasts as they enter the cinemas yearning for entertainment transformation.
Reel Dialogue: Hope within the struggle
Leigh Whannell attended the screening of Wolf Man and shared how his team wanted to deliver a film that depicted families' struggles as they watched their loved ones suffering from degenerative diseases. This horrific journey takes this experience to an extreme. Still, it manages to convey the hopelessness that people can experience as they witness someone they love to devolve into someone unrecognisable to them and even to themselves.
Granted, Clinical Lycanthropy is taken to the next level within this film. Yet, the realities of degenerative disease states are very real for many within our culture. Some have no cure, and it can be horrific to see happen to anyone. Still, within this struggle, there can be hope. The concept of hope is something on offer for anyone, and it is tied to faith. Take time to believe that God can care for us during these trials. Even though we do not choose these challenges, we can look to see that God is developing us and preparing us for His purpose. During these hard times, hope helps us persevere and not give up. Each day can be challenging, leaving us weary and tired of this world. Yet, faith in a God who can care for us and give us hope during life's highs and lows is worth considering.
Romans 5:1-5: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” If you want to discuss this film's topics, contact us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.
If you want to discuss this film's topics, contact us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.
