Review of WolfMan (2025)

• Director: Leigh Whannell
• Cast: Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Sam Jaeger
• Studio: Universal Pictures
• Genre: Horror, Drama
• Runtime: 98 minutes

Wolf Man (2025), directed by Leigh Whannell, offers a contemporary reimagining of Universal’s iconic werewolf narrative. While the film introduces fresh psychological elements and family dynamics, it delivers a mixed experience that may not fully satisfy all horror enthusiasts.

The story centers on Blake (Christopher Abbott), a writer who, along with his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) and their daughter Ginger, relocates to his inherited childhood home in the secluded Oregon woods. Shortly after their move, Blake is attacked by a mysterious creature, leading to a series of unsettling transformations. As Blake grapples with his new reality, he uncovers dark family secrets, including a fraught relationship with his estranged father, Grady (Sam Jaeger).

Christopher Abbott delivers a compelling performance as Blake, effectively portraying a man torn between his humanity and emerging primal instincts. Julia Garner brings depth to Charlotte, capturing the turmoil of a spouse witnessing her partner’s descent into monstrosity. Sam Jaeger adds complexity as Grady, embodying the generational trauma that underpins the narrative.

Leigh Whannell’s direction emphasizes atmosphere and suspense, utilizing the dense, shadowy forests and creaking old houses to create a sense of isolation and dread. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, with eerie wolf howls and rustling leaves enhancing the tension.

The film’s visual approach leans towards subtlety, opting for restrained transformation sequences that focus more on psychological horror than overt gore. This choice may disappoint viewers expecting more traditional werewolf visuals. The creature design has been a point of contention, with some critics finding it less impactful than previous iterations.

Wolf Man delves into themes of inherited trauma, toxic masculinity, and the fear of becoming one’s own worst enemy. While these themes add layers to the narrative, the execution can feel heavy-handed at times. The screenplay strives for depth but occasionally falters, leading to moments where the pacing drags.

The film has garnered mixed reviews. Some praise its atmospheric tension and character-driven story, while others critique its subdued horror elements and uneven pacing. Screenrant notes that “Wolf Man is tense and fun in the moment, but it lacks the thematic clarity necessary to leave a strong impression after the credits roll.”

As of January 22, 2025, Wolf Man has grossed $13.9 million in the United States and Canada, with an additional $5.3 million from other territories, totaling $19.3 million worldwide. These numbers fall short of expectations, indicating a lukewarm reception from general audiences.

Rating: 6/10 Wolf Man (2025) presents an introspective and atmospheric take on the classic werewolf tale, emphasizing psychological horror and family drama over traditional scares. While it boasts strong performances and a moody ambiance, the film’s deliberate pacing and restrained horror elements may not appeal to all viewers.