Wolfman (2025) Review: A Gripping and Grounded Werewolf Tale
Wolfman review
Introduction
Lee Whannell returns to the Universal Monsters universe
with Wolfman, following his successful direction of The Invisible Man.
This time, he delivers a chilling story of transformation, fear, and survival.
Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, Wolfman takes a legendary
horror concept and grounds it in reality, much like The Invisible Man
did before it.
Wolfman Trailer
A Story Rooted in Family and Fear
The film follows a family at a remote farmhouse that
comes under attack by an unseen animal. As the night progresses, the father
(played by Abbott) undergoes a terrifying transformation into something
unrecognizable. At its core, Wolfman is a story about a man desperately
trying not to repeat the mistakes of his own father while battling the monster
within—both figuratively and literally.
A powerful early line in the movie captures the film’s
theme well: A parent tries so hard to not scar their children that they end
up becoming the thing that scars them. This emotional struggle is central
to the film, as Abbott’s character fights to remain the father he wants to be
while his body and instincts betray him.
Lee Whannell’s Mastery of the Horror Genre
Lee Whannell has established himself as a force in the
horror and thriller space. From writing Saw and Insidious to
directing Upgrade and The Invisible Man, his ability to blend
horror with deeply personal stories is remarkable. With Wolfman, he
takes on a fully-fledged monster movie for the first time and delivers an
experience that is intense, thrilling, and visually striking.
While Wolfman may not reach the same emotional
depths as The Invisible Man, it is a commendable entry in the Universal
Monsters lineup. It is leaner, more contained, and more focused on survival
horror rather than psychological depth.
A Unique Approach to Transformation
Unlike classic werewolf movies that focus on one
spectacular transformation sequence (An American Werewolf in London
being a prime example), Wolfman takes a different route. The entire film
is a slow, painful journey of change, allowing the audience to witness every
step of Abbott’s transformation. His senses heighten, his instincts sharpen,
and his humanity slowly fades.
One of the film’s most visually engaging sequences
involves Abbott’s character hearing something massive moving on the roof, only
to later reveal a surprising and satisfying payoff. The film places viewers
firmly in his perspective, using clever camera work to subtly shift what we see
to match his evolving perception of reality.
Stellar Performances and Atmospheric Horror
Christopher Abbott delivers a gripping performance as a
father torn between love and the monstrous urges taking over his body. His
internal struggle is palpable, making his descent into something inhuman all
the more tragic.
Julia Garner is equally impressive, mastering the art
of looking genuinely terrified throughout much of the movie. The young actress
who plays their daughter, Matilda F., also gives a strong performance, adding
emotional weight to the family dynamic.
A Fast-Paced and Tense Survival Thriller
Unlike The Invisible Man, which had layers of
intrigue and social commentary, Wolfman is a straightforward survival
horror film. Once the tension kicks in, it doesn’t let up. The pacing is tight,
and the sense of dread builds relentlessly.
However, the film does miss an opportunity for a
stronger emotional payoff. A subplot involving Garner’s character struggling to
connect with her daughter could have had a more satisfying resolution. A brief
moment of reconnection between mother and child would have added depth to the
film’s conclusion.
Commitment to Practical Effects
One of Wolfman’s strongest aspects is its
dedication to practical makeup effects. Unlike An American Werewolf in Paris,
which relied heavily on CGI, this film embraces traditional makeup and
prosthetics. The result is a raw and visceral transformation that feels more
tangible and unsettling.
Additionally, Whannell remains true to the werewolf
legend—this isn’t a mere beast transformation but a Wolfman, keeping the
classic creature aesthetic alive.
Final Thoughts
Wolfman is a solid horror film that delivers plenty of
tension, scares, and a gripping central performance. While it may not reach the
same heights as The Invisible Man, it sidesteps many of the pitfalls
that a modern werewolf movie could have faced. It’s fast-paced, visually
inventive, and genuinely terrifying at times.
If you’re a fan of horror, werewolf stories, or Lee
Whannell’s previous work, Wolfman is well worth a watch. Let us know
what you thought of the film in the comments!
Summery
Lee Whannell’s Wolfman (2025) is a gripping
survival horror film starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. The story
follows a father struggling to avoid repeating his father’s mistakes, both
emotionally and physically, as he transforms into a terrifying creature. Unlike
traditional werewolf films, Wolfman presents a gradual transformation,
placing viewers in the protagonist’s perspective. Abbott and Garner deliver
strong performances, and the film excels in tension, practical effects, and
pacing. While it lacks the emotional depth of The Invisible Man, it
remains a thrilling and well-executed werewolf movie. Fans of horror and
Whannell’s work should check it out.
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