Leigh Whannell first captured audience attention with Upgrade (2018) before delivering the smash hit The Invisible Man in 2020. With Wolf Man, he returns to the Universal Monsters universe, this time tackling the classic lycanthrope. The question on everyone's mind: can he replicate the success of his previous film?
Wolf Man stars Christopher Abbott as Blake, a man who inherits his childhood home in rural Oregon and soon finds himself and his family under attack from a mysterious creature. As the full moon rises, Blake begins to transform — and the line between monster and man blurs. Whannell uses practical effects and close-quarters cinematography to create a sense of dread, but the film leans more into emotional horror than jump scares.
While The Invisible Man was a tightly wound thriller with clear social commentary, Wolf Man is a slower, more melancholic tale about family and identity. It doesn't have the same immediate impact, but it showcases Whannell's range as a storyteller. Composer Jed Palmer provides a haunting score, and the Oregon locations add a grim atmosphere. The performances are strong, particularly Abbott's physical transformation, and the creature design is faithful yet fresh.
For those wondering whether Wolf Man surpasses The Invisible Man — it doesn't quite reach those heights, but it's a worthy addition to the werewolf genre. Whannell's direction keeps the tension simmering even in quieter moments. Fans of his work will find plenty to appreciate. It may not redefine horror, but it proves that the director can handle different subgenres with confidence.
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