Wolf Man (2025), directed by Leigh Whannell, is a contemporary reimagining of the classic Universal monster tale. The film follows Blake (Christopher Abbott), a writer and stay-at-home father in San Francisco, who inherits his estranged father’s secluded farmhouse in rural Oregon. Hoping to mend his strained marriage with his wife, Charlotte (Julia Garner), and strengthen his bond with their daughter, Ginger (Matilda Firth), Blake persuades his family to take a trip to the property.
Upon their arrival, the family encounters a mysterious creature that attacks them, leading to Blake sustaining a severe injury. As they seek refuge inside the farmhouse, Blake begins to exhibit alarming symptoms: his health deteriorates rapidly, and he undergoes a horrifying transformation into a werewolf. This metamorphosis not only endangers his own life but also threatens the safety of Charlotte and Ginger, who must confront the terror both outside and within their home.
The narrative delves into themes of familial bonds, the inheritance of trauma, and the primal nature lurking within humanity. Whannell employs visceral body horror elements to depict Blake’s transformation, reminiscent of classic horror cinema. Despite the film’s atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly by Abbott and Garner, some critics feel that it lacks depth in character development and thematic exploration. Nevertheless, Wolf Man offers a chilling experience, blending psychological horror with intense physical transformations, and stands as a noteworthy addition to the modern horror genre.
