PossessedbyHorror - Wolf Man (2025) Movie Review NO SPOILERS
The reviewer initially had low expectations for 'Wolfman' due to its January release by Blumhouse, known for less successful horror films. However, they were pleasantly surprised by the film's quality, particularly praising Lee Wiell's direction and writing. The film's use of practical effects, inspired by movies like 'The Fly,' adds a unique touch, focusing on the tragedy of transformation rather than just horror. The emotional storyline, influenced by Wiell's personal experiences with grief, adds depth, making it more than a typical werewolf movie. Despite criticisms of predictability and character development, the reviewer appreciates the film's emotional impact and single-location setting, which enhances its storytelling. They argue that the film deserves more recognition than it has received, with ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd being overly harsh.
Key Points:
- 'Wolfman' uses practical effects to emphasize emotional depth, inspired by films like 'The Fly.'
- Lee Wiell's personal experiences with grief influence the film's emotional storyline.
- The film is set in a single location, enhancing its focus and storytelling impact.
- Critics find the film predictable, but the reviewer appreciates its emotional and visual elements.
- The reviewer believes the film deserves higher ratings than it has received on Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd.
Details:
1. 🎬 Managing Expectations for Wolf Man
- The speaker tried to manage expectations after seeing a promising trailer for 'Wolf Man'.
- The film is produced by Blumhouse and is released in January, considered a less favorable time for horror releases, referred to as the 'horror graveyard'.
- The combination of a promising trailer and the less favorable release timing led to mixed expectations.
- The trailer featured high-quality production and intriguing plot elements, generating interest.
- Despite the promising trailer, releasing the film in January raised concerns about its potential success due to historical trends.
2. 👍 Surprising Enjoyment of the Movie
- The speaker initially approached the movie with skepticism due to disappointing experiences with previous Blumhouse films and early negative reviews.
- Despite these reservations, the movie exceeded expectations, resulting in a surprisingly enjoyable experience for the speaker.
- Specific aspects that contributed to enjoyment included unique plot twists, engaging character development, and effective use of suspense, which distinguished this film from others by the same studio.
- This positive experience suggests that the film successfully defied typical genre pitfalls and delivered unexpected quality.
3. 🦊 Intriguing Plot and Characters
- Blake and his family are unexpectedly attacked by an unseen animal, prompting them to barricade themselves inside a secluded farmhouse, which heightens the tension and fear.
- Outside, a menacing creature prowls, increasing the stakes, while inside, Blake undergoes a dramatic transformation, becoming unrecognizable to his family, which adds a layer of psychological horror.
- Blake's transformation into a threatening figure creates an immediate danger to his wife and daughter, raising questions about identity and the primal instincts within humans.
- The story explores themes of survival, fear, and the unknown, as Blake's family must navigate the threat both outside and within their own ranks.
4. 🎥 Masterful Direction by Lee Wiell
- Lee Wiell's second Universal monster film, following 'The Invisible Man' (2020), demonstrates his ability to refresh classic horror with modern sensibilities.
- Both the direction and writing by Lee Wiell are pivotal to the success of 'Wolfman', as they bring a unique vision that blends classic horror elements with innovative storytelling.
- Despite receiving mixed reviews, 'Wolfman' is celebrated for Wiell's ability to create tension and atmosphere, contributing to the personal enjoyment of audiences.
- Specific scenes exemplify Wiell's masterful direction, such as the transformation sequences and the use of lighting to enhance suspense, which are often highlighted by critics and fans alike.
5. 📝 Practical Effects and Emotional Depth
- Lee Wiell was inspired by movies like 'The Fly' to use practical effects in his film, adding a unique twist to the traditional Wolfman narrative.
- The film departs from the typical werewolf transformation by exploring a slower, more emotionally-driven transformation, enhancing audience engagement with the character's plight.
- Practical effects are used to emphasize the emotional and tragic aspects of the transformation, akin to 'The Fly,' where the tragedy of illness is portrayed through physical metamorphosis.
- The effective use of practical effects combined with a focus on emotional depth resulted in the reviewer experiencing significant emotional responses, including crying twice, highlighting the film's success in transcending typical horror genre limitations.
6. 🐺 Unique Approach to the Werewolf Genre
- The film distinguishes itself within the werewolf genre by emphasizing emotional and psychological transformations, offering depth beyond typical gore and horror elements.
- Themes of identity loss and the sadness of losing control are explored, providing a refreshing narrative that contrasts with common genre tropes.
- While the film follows a familiar formula and may appear predictable, it excels in execution, delivering an emotional storyline complemented by beautiful cinematography.
- The movie's unique angle lies in its ability to blend emotional depth with striking visuals, setting it apart despite not being groundbreaking.
- For instance, scenes depicting the protagonist's internal struggle are crafted with a focus on visual storytelling, enhancing the emotional impact and viewer engagement.