Not Sarah dropping her Wolf Man review on the same day as Robert Eggers announces his 2026 movie Werwulf. I love to see that werewolf horror is having a renaissance!
I saw this last night and really enjoyed it! Before the movie started and I saw it was a BH production I was like oh no! But...I was pleasantly surprised. I swear, it was more of an enjoyable watch for me than Nosfaratu! I was extremely disappointed in Orlok's look
*Finally a review that makes sense* I've watched so many youtubers sh*tting on this movie, but they fail in explaining why the movie is bad, BECAUSE IT'S NOT! I'm with you on this one. People need to see it pass the transformation. It's all about the message and how creative this story was. Chef's kiss
People go see a werewolf movie FOR the transformation. That’s like how Halloween Ends had barely any Michael Myers in it but we’re supposed to see past that. NO
I've seen fair reviews on youtube wherein an analysis of why a negative review was given takes place. Perhaps watch someone else if so many of the reviews you watched didn't - they just sound like bad critics.
I recently lost my father to a degenerative disease, and I was crying throughout. I think a lot of the negative reviews are based on how subtle Julia garners character transformation is as well as not understanding the intent behind the creature design. I believe the film is ultimately about human connection, whether it be between an estranged mother with her daughter or between a wife and her dying husband. Ultimately, the ending of this movie shows the strength of familial connection in some form or another, and how the experience of shared grieving can provide both comfort and strength when presented with the most difficult choices. The design of the Wolfman emphasizes the characters humanity, which is particularly important in telling this story.
It is so refreshing to see this video. I saw this movie last weekend and really liked it. The next day I saw three reviewers, people I usually trust and respect their opinions, rip it to shreds. And for really nitpicky reasons. Then I saw the Rotten Tomato score and I was starting to think I was on an island with this one. You're literally the first person I know of who had the same experience I did. I didn't cry though.
I wasn't planning on watching this at first, but when you mentioned that the story is about grief. Specifically death from ALS, that certainly changed my opinion fast. I lost my mom to ALS back in 2013. Grief has never left my side it seems so I completely understand.
I also was really shocked to see the negative reviews overall, and I liked Leighs version of this like he did a different spin on The Invisible Man. Personally, I found it as more a parallel to losing someone with dementia/alzheimers while you watch someone you love change first by behaviour and personality and then more visually and by the end neither of you recognise each other. Vs also showing his view and frustration at not being able to communicate and understand. I did really enjoy this, it worked for me. I think though - potentially it could have been better received if it didn't claim to be a werewolf. Like if they'd gone with a new/vague illness like that mountain or forest fever that was alluded to at the beginning.
Thought it was genuinely great. I think the tweaks Whannell made to the formula were significant and successful enough to feel new, even if it's not necessarily unpredictable. A very patient and tragic film which seems to be what threw the GP off the most (aside from the wolf men being humanoid, a choice I love). So far, Whannell understands how to adapt existing material by making something original; he's two for two with these monster movies in my book.
The reviews were very helpful for wanting to see this in the theater. You do a great on visualization of film. You give honest and candid feedback. Now I play on watch The Wolfman this weekend. And Thank you for your awesome review .
Watching other reviews, it really did dawn on me how much society has changed. Because people can’t even sit down and enjoy a movie anymore. I’m so happy you touched on it gave your thoughts and opinion as well as the background information because I also enjoyed I was really excited to get on here and see what people were saying and very quickly was turned off.
It’s not that people can’t enjoy movies anymore. Nosferatu just released and I think I love that movie more than anything that’s been released in the last 10 years, it was phenomenal It’s that, for a classic horror monster and in a dying genre, it feels like, to me, executives and higher ups ruined this movie. It had so much potential, but with the final transformation sequence I was left, out loud, asking “is that it?” And it was. He looked almost exactly the same before and after that scene minus his eye colour, which I thought looked stupid as well I don’t blame anyone for enjoying any piece of media, it comes down to personal taste every time. But it is not a case of people being unable to enjoy movies anymore. It’s just that this one didn’t meet most people’s standards for a werewolf movie
@@Lonerstoner21 you’re all good! It is kind of bothering me that a lot of people’s reviews are SO negative when I do think the premise and a lot of this movie had wonderful potential, I can see why people really enjoyed it
Im excited to see this - I’ve been excited to see this since I saw the trailor! I love how they give the POV of the man turning into the wolf and I love the idea of a gradual transformation while the wife and daughter are helpless. How could you not be intrigued?!
I really enjoyed it! Leigh Whannell’s films usually always land for me. I also have had a fear of the wolf man (not werewolves, but specifically a wolf man) since I was a child so it also scared me I imagine more than it did for others. The emotionality of the story, the family dynamics, and the tragedy of the wolf man transformation was perfect for me. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it to!
I got some free movie tickets to see this before it premiered and I really enjoyed it. I liked that they did a good job setting up the familial relationships, they took a different approach to werewolf transformation by showing the changes in perception someone would experience during that. I know they cut out even more about the main character's backstory, that his mother died of ALS when he was young and that would have been a really interesting parallel to explore. I want the director's cut.
Went to see the wolfman yesterday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised with all the practical effects as I was expecting CGI throughout!defo a decent watch and good start to the year cinema wise also will be buying on dvd and looking forward to seeing companion. 🖤🐺🎬🍿
I love your comment about movies not having to be too mind-bending or twisty. Some of my favorite movies are simple, easy watches. Beautiful and well-written, but I don't have to overthink the plot. I can just enjoy. That's what I loved about Wolf Man. I'll always trust Leigh to give me an enjoyable watch experience.
Single best, most informative review of this film. I can't wait to see it next week! I can't help but notice a trend in the last 2-3 years, where lower-rated movies are actually way better than higher rated ones. I guess too many mainstream audience members consider themselves critics nowadays.
I loved it. The sound was awesome. The visuals were beautiful. I love that he went with a disease instead of a full moon and a silver bullet. I love that it started right away. Some people found this slow but I thought it was really well paced. I loved the twist. I really liked that we got to see the different POVs as well. It had heart, suspense, well done scares. I LOVE that most of it was done with practical effects and costuming and makeup. I also love that they should the slow transformation of his change, instead of him all of a sudden being a wolfman. Overall I was really impressed with this movie
January being the "Horror Graveyard" kinda sounds like it should be the best month for horror :D Thank you for your review, I had seen a trailer the other day and wasn't sure, but now I definitely will be looking out for this when it comes to streaming/dvd!
True! But I think other pieces of media, like the game The Quarry, accomplish that idea better. There’s a scene in this movie when they hit a werewolf, and afterwards Blake says “it was standing on its hind legs like a person.” It just looked like a man. It didn’t look like an animal in silhouette at all. That took me out of the movie lol
I'm an aspiring screenwriter and my goal is write a movie so good and emotional it makes Sarah cry in the theatre, in fact it shall make audiences weep!
Duuuuude same. I saw the Blumhouse Productions credit at the start and I was like, this is not a vibe. But I really liked it. Three and a half stars for having a fun transformation, great acting and spooky vibes ❤
I hear it lacks a lot of gore and traditional werewolf hack and slash scenes. But if the drama is good and shot well then I'm interested for sure. Theres plenty of splatter werewolf movies out there already.
I adore werewolf media so I know I will like this movie but I am with you in that my expectations are low because of Blumhouse. Im glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I also liked it. It was beautifully shot. I loved the cinematography. The acting was on point, and the music score was sooooo good especially "Goodbye!"
I felt some tears throughout the film! This movie was heartbreaking 🥺💔 Christopher Abott and Julia Garner + Matilda Firth had a realistic and beautiful family
I was on the fence but I think I want to see this now. As one of the critics that loved Cuckoo as much as I did I feel like this movie will also vibe with me.
yay, I'm glad you liked it too! I had a lot of fun. Was on the edge of my seat, good tension, good acting, surprised me a couple times. I just wish they'd named it something else. It didn't feel like a reimagining of the Universal monster. It didn't even feel like a wolf, it felt more like a beast man, as the opening scroll sort of set up.
HHN Orlando debuted the makeup for this movie for one night only, and fans panned it so badly they never brought him back for the duration of the event, so I’m very curious to see how the movie’s wolf transformation makeup compares to the HHN promo makeup
I was lukewarm with the film and my major takeaway was I much more enjoyed it when the characters didn't talk. Mostly in particular the daughter which I had perceived as being a weird wild card of emotions and reactions. I think that since I don't have children, and I usually don't jive with child performers, I have more of a fatigue when seeing the character in these situations.
Yes, I agree with this! I think this movie would’ve been much better if Ginger was a teenager or if it was instead Blake and his two daughters. That would’ve helped me connect to the film better, personallt
I’m on the same page as you on this one! I’m glad I’m not the only one who dug it. I thought it was a really interesting take on the werewolf movie, and I loved the degenerative disease angle. The werewolf design is just an extension of that. The emotional through line really worked for me as well, I’m also a parent. Definitely think people are being too harsh on it.
I also liked it!!! It wasn't the most ground breaking thing in the universe, but it was a really fun watch experience and they did some interesting and clever things.
honestly people who complain about movies being what you signed up for makes no sense bc how else would the others who twist your expectations and through you for a loop be impactful; if all the movies we watch have high highs then it’ll just flatten our so we need soft lows that’ll be what we signed up for but show a new light on the formula we’re used to
My friend and I went opening night. We were a bit tipsy and the only ones in the theater, and we had a great experience! Both of us were very pleased with it even though my expectations were low.
The movie is very dark, which is a critique worth noting because if you watch this on streaming, you'll need to turn your brightness level all the way up to see it
Thank you for this review, I was getting discouraged by the reviews and IMDB and letterboxd ratings but I'm hyped again especially since it's Whannel. I probably still would've given it a chance viewing even if it's turns out terrible.
I seen the movie and honestly I thought I could of been better, it was def not gory,it was an OK film,werewolf in london was a much better movie even how old it is
I was it with my sister and also liked it. I too notice the sound was great and I recognized that the guy who wrote the score for this movie also did both IT movies.
Whannell doesn't do himself any favors by listing The Fly as an influence. His Wolf Man is an anemic imitatation of that horror classic. The problem is that Abbott and Garner are playing a couple that really don't care for each other. I didn't sense the emotional connection that Geena Davis had for Goldblum in The Fly
Just watched it cause of this. Is it my favorite movie?? NO. But it did bring in horror elements I haven’t seen. Love the “villain” povs going on in horror rn, like presence. Also the visual effects for what the wolf man sees was quite beautifully terrifying. And did I foresee the plot twists that were suppose to be gaggy pretty early on in the movie? Yes yes I did. Buttt it had me holding on to my seat either way cause of the tension or grief felt. Also really loved the storytelling of the family’s power dynamic and body horror of it all
Yeah even though I still love The Invisible Man more I still personally really really enjoyed Wolf Man and I've seen Wolf Man twice in theaters. even though I really enjoyed this movie this movie does move by a little too fast like I wish this movie was 15 to 20 minutes longer and I wish we got more lore about the werewolves but besides these nitpicks I still really really like this movie, I personally hope Leigh Whannell does another Universal Monster movie.
I think part of my disappointment with it is exactly this! Blake was a very well written character, and then we left his perspective and instead focused on the wife’s point of view after he was “too far gone”, which felt like a pretty big waste I was really hooked on his character up until we just stopped getting any insight as to how he’s feeling, what he’s thinking, etc. The other two characters in the film felt a lot more one dimensional in comparison
I liked the following transformations/POV. As a Makeup artist, I loved the Wolf Humanoid. But I agree with you, the acting from the Julia Garner was terrible, or the way she was written was terrible, there was no growth majorly at the end of the film. And there is 3 main characters so having her having soo much weight to the movie left me… baffled. Even at the end where it all… ends… I didn’t believe her.
@ I haven’t seen any of her other work. I just couldn’t let go of the lack of grown in the character. But I did quite enjoy the rest of the film. Just soo much weight on a character without growth… or lack of character.
Thank you for this review. I really enjoyed this movie and will probably end up loving it on a second viewing. I totally agree that the average scores are doing the film a great disservice. I almost didn’t see it when I saw the RT score. Glad I ignored the scores. Invisible Man was a greater experience the second time, I have no doubt this will hit harder as well.
I loved this movie. It felt like a metaphor for addiction or disease. It was heartbreaking to watch and i hate that everyone was hating on the wife! I think she did a great job and the shock seeing her husband change felt very real. The daughter not understanding and still trying to get through to her father was so hard to watch! I loved it
Yeah this movie has been added to the Father’s Day (horror) category 😂 I actually enjoyed this film, how it was filmed at night-which usually makes viewing harder to see what is going on but it had to work since it’s a werewolf film, the battle scenes of the father viewing his family through the transformation while still holding onto his human self, the crash scene, and the parallel from the end to the beginning. Yes it had its predictable moments but I would definitely rewatch it.
There wasn’t really a plot. The dialogue was poor, the pacing was bad. The repetitive ‘where is it’ build ups just so she could run into another room and do the ‘where is it’ thing again for the whole movie 😂 The fights looked like grown men play fighting in cosplay. It was slow and anticlimactic and felt like it was made by students who had access to expensive equipment. This would have been an okay short but I have no idea who read the script and approved it. By the end everyone in my theatre gave up and were laughing at it and talking. When she says “he just wants it to end” I was like yeah me too 😂
The way I threw my hands up and yelled “YES!!!” The moment you said you liked this movie 😂😂. I’ve been feeling like I’m on an island with this cause I liked it too. I get the criticisms (I guess 😜 ) but this did not deserve all the bad reviews and low ratings. Like c’mon lol.
I was mid on this movie. I thought that the body horror stuff was pretty effective and I loved the POV shots, but the theming was a bit heavy handed and the story & characters felt pretty flat. 2.5 / 5.
Story.. Tbh, what story? Calling it a werewolf movie, and it basically doesn't have any werewolves. The characters had 0 chemistry. If the daughter and mom were supposed to grow closer, they shit the bed on that. Christopher and Julia's characters just don't explore their imploding marriage and how Julia doesn't connect to Matilda's character. Even the critics and general audience that expected a decent movie (minus the hyper violence and gore) didn't like the movie. With their criticism being more from expecting something basic with a mild character study. And maybe not have it all happen in one night.
I liked the premise of this movie, so the bones of the story were good, but the execution of it really failed the ideas around it I agree the characters and character relationships outside of Blake and Ginger fell VERY flat. And the one night setting plus the flashback felt really rushed, too! I agree!
I absolutely loved the theming in this flick and the daddy/daughter relationship was great. I also loved how it updated it, took that European aspect out & made it distinctly American. But yeah, i agree it felt like people watched a different movie. Seen lots of complaints about things that aren’t even in the movie and others saying the movie doesn’t do certain things when it does. And honestly? A few reviews just made shit up fully.
ive been seeing so much negativity, a close friend of mine even said it was a 0/10 and so boring... although everything ive heard (primarily from you and spookyastronauts) makes me feel like i'd love. Invisibile Man is one of my top 10 movies so I feel like I have to see this!
0/10 is an absolutely unacceptable review of ANY movie. This was a 2/5 star for me personally, but if you think you’d enjoy it watch it! You won’t know how you feel about it until you see it
I really enjoyed this too! Loved that they dropped the r@cist Romani storyline, talked about toxic masculinity without being so in your face about it, and put the emotion into the transformation + great nods to the original. I saw it twice once in IMAX (totally worth it!) and have decided on a 4.5/5, just because of how much fun I had with it/was surprised by it/low-key want to raise its score on Letterboxd. Side note: Would love to hear your thoughts on GRAFTED - I LOVED it (👀 3x already)! 🙈 I genuinely wouldn’t not be surprised if it’s my favorite movie of this year.
I liked the movie as well, i enjoyed it being a different take on the whole becoming a werewolf mythos. I liked it being inspired by the fly. I agree i connected with the tragedy of the movie and how it was about a father trying to not become the monster hes trying to protect his kid from.
@ I’ve started manacled before but stopped for whatever reason. i think it’s beings traditionally published will push me to finish. welcome to the world of fanfic lol, from another early 30’s year old. love all the book content the last few years
I was surprised to see this playing on the IMAX locally, but obviously this is January. I'll check it out at your recommendation tho! I'm kinda desperate for a movie worth going to see.
*_I guess the moviegoers thought the transformations really sucked and that it was really nothing better than a streaming movie you watch on a Monday?_*
I didn't hate the movie it was ok at best. Good sound design and cinematography. I didn't like the wolf transformation it was more treated more like an infection and they looked more like zombies than Werewolves. I also thought there would be more werewolves, it was centered around the family, which I didn't really buy into Julia Garner's wife character as the final girl if you will, she kept leaving her daughter with the husband or in different parts of the house, it was odd. I just expected more from Leigh Whannell. I much prefer the 2010 Wolfman with Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins and even the action horror Werewolves with Frank Grillo's.
11:40 no. No it isn't. Every werewolf/wolfman gains more hair when they transform. This thing loses hair when they transform. I don't care how much practical effects you use if you're creator design is trash it's trash, and this "wolfman " design is trash
I feel like the marketing for this movie was horrible. I only heard about this movie when i went to see Nosferatu. I was also scared this movie was going to be bad. Surprisingly i loved it. The practical effects were amazing. It was a bit predictable but the slow transformation and going through it with the characters was awesome. I'm surprised it got so much hate, because its a solid movie! More love for this movie!
People were definitely too harsh on this movie. I gave it 3 ½ as well. I actually think I liked it more than Nosferatu which I gave 3 stars. Nosferatu felt hollow and artificial to me - didn't like the design of Orlock, hated the acting, characters felt flat with no emotion, tons of scenes that just look like CGI enhanced soundstages, not scary, not sexy, not disturbing. And I love all of Eggers other films. Wolf Man, while not amazing, at least brought some emotion, and an interesting perspective on a classic tale. And I enjoyed the acting.
i was a bit on the fence about seeing it because of the negative reviews (i tend to usually like leigh whannell's movies) but I might go check this one out!
Not Sarah dropping her Wolf Man review on the same day as Robert Eggers announces his 2026 movie Werwulf. I love to see that werewolf horror is having a renaissance!
I saw that and chuckled, long live werewolf movies!
I saw this last night and really enjoyed it! Before the movie started and I saw it was a BH production I was like oh no! But...I was pleasantly surprised. I swear, it was more of an enjoyable watch for me than Nosfaratu! I was extremely disappointed in Orlok's look
Robert Eggers peak.😮💨🖤
@@PossessedbyHorrorChristmas Day 2026: WerWulf by Robert Eggers vs Ice Age 6 (Disney) & Shrek 5 ( Dreamworks)
the moment you said you really liked it i cheered 😭 i liked it a lot too and i was shocked i was in the minority!!
Same!!!
I didn’t expect it 🤣
I honestly didn’t pay to see it in theatres after things like Night Swim. I always trust Sarah’s opinion though so I might genuinely check it out! 👀
went with my family and we all loved it!
It was JUST announced that Robert Eggers is doing a werewolf film set in 13th century England, due out in 2026.
That’s the one we need
I’m really excited for it
Hell yes
i'm so excited for it.
Wow, cool.
We need that one and so many more. Surely a movie from 1981 can’t be the reigning king of werewolf movies forever (AWIL)
*Finally a review that makes sense* I've watched so many youtubers sh*tting on this movie, but they fail in explaining why the movie is bad, BECAUSE IT'S NOT! I'm with you on this one. People need to see it pass the transformation. It's all about the message and how creative this story was. Chef's kiss
Splattercast really appreciated it and loved it. Watch their reviews
Check out: Double Toasted, AmandaTheJedi, and Chdis Herman.
People go see a werewolf movie FOR the transformation. That’s like how Halloween Ends had barely any Michael Myers in it but we’re supposed to see past that. NO
I've seen fair reviews on youtube wherein an analysis of why a negative review was given takes place. Perhaps watch someone else if so many of the reviews you watched didn't - they just sound like bad critics.
@@Jsizzle6809 but he had a good build up to his transformation
I recently lost my father to a degenerative disease, and I was crying throughout. I think a lot of the negative reviews are based on how subtle Julia garners character transformation is as well as not understanding the intent behind the creature design. I believe the film is ultimately about human connection, whether it be between an estranged mother with her daughter or between a wife and her dying husband. Ultimately, the ending of this movie shows the strength of familial connection in some form or another, and how the experience of shared grieving can provide both comfort and strength when presented with the most difficult choices. The design of the Wolfman emphasizes the characters humanity, which is particularly important in telling this story.
It is so refreshing to see this video. I saw this movie last weekend and really liked it. The next day I saw three reviewers, people I usually trust and respect their opinions, rip it to shreds. And for really nitpicky reasons. Then I saw the Rotten Tomato score and I was starting to think I was on an island with this one. You're literally the first person I know of who had the same experience I did. I didn't cry though.
I saw it last night and I really liked it ! It actually freaked me out and that’s getting more rare these days. Glad you liked it too
I wasn't planning on watching this at first, but when you mentioned that the story is about grief. Specifically death from ALS, that certainly changed my opinion fast. I lost my mom to ALS back in 2013. Grief has never left my side it seems so I completely understand.
I also was really shocked to see the negative reviews overall, and I liked Leighs version of this like he did a different spin on The Invisible Man.
Personally, I found it as more a parallel to losing someone with dementia/alzheimers while you watch someone you love change first by behaviour and personality and then more visually and by the end neither of you recognise each other. Vs also showing his view and frustration at not being able to communicate and understand.
I did really enjoy this, it worked for me. I think though - potentially it could have been better received if it didn't claim to be a werewolf. Like if they'd gone with a new/vague illness like that mountain or forest fever that was alluded to at the beginning.
Thought it was genuinely great. I think the tweaks Whannell made to the formula were significant and successful enough to feel new, even if it's not necessarily unpredictable. A very patient and tragic film which seems to be what threw the GP off the most (aside from the wolf men being humanoid, a choice I love). So far, Whannell understands how to adapt existing material by making something original; he's two for two with these monster movies in my book.
Ahhhhh! I'm so glad you liked it. I wasn't going to see it bc of the negative reviews but I want to give it a chance now! Thanks, Sarah.
The reviews were very helpful for wanting to see this in the theater. You do a great on visualization of film. You give honest and candid feedback. Now I play on watch The Wolfman this weekend. And Thank you for your awesome review .
Sometimes the ad placements in videos are just so good
“Something I really liked that this movie did-“
“-YOUR GUT BIOME IS ENDANGERED”
Watching other reviews, it really did dawn on me how much society has changed. Because people can’t even sit down and enjoy a movie anymore. I’m so happy you touched on it gave your thoughts and opinion as well as the background information because I also enjoyed I was really excited to get on here and see what people were saying and very quickly was turned off.
It’s not that people can’t enjoy movies anymore. Nosferatu just released and I think I love that movie more than anything that’s been released in the last 10 years, it was phenomenal
It’s that, for a classic horror monster and in a dying genre, it feels like, to me, executives and higher ups ruined this movie. It had so much potential, but with the final transformation sequence I was left, out loud, asking “is that it?” And it was. He looked almost exactly the same before and after that scene minus his eye colour, which I thought looked stupid as well
I don’t blame anyone for enjoying any piece of media, it comes down to personal taste every time. But it is not a case of people being unable to enjoy movies anymore. It’s just that this one didn’t meet most people’s standards for a werewolf movie
@ you are certainly entitled to your opinion and I am definitely firm in mind thank you for sharing
@@Lonerstoner21 you’re all good! It is kind of bothering me that a lot of people’s reviews are SO negative when I do think the premise and a lot of this movie had wonderful potential, I can see why people really enjoyed it
@@moistwrmonastring1017 it could be rather exhausting!!!!
Im excited to see this - I’ve been excited to see this since I saw the trailor! I love how they give the POV of the man turning into the wolf and I love the idea of a gradual transformation while the wife and daughter are helpless. How could you not be intrigued?!
I really enjoyed it! Leigh Whannell’s films usually always land for me. I also have had a fear of the wolf man (not werewolves, but specifically a wolf man) since I was a child so it also scared me I imagine more than it did for others. The emotionality of the story, the family dynamics, and the tragedy of the wolf man transformation was perfect for me. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it to!
"January, where film contracts go to die (except Paddington)"
- Cellspex
I got some free movie tickets to see this before it premiered and I really enjoyed it. I liked that they did a good job setting up the familial relationships, they took a different approach to werewolf transformation by showing the changes in perception someone would experience during that. I know they cut out even more about the main character's backstory, that his mother died of ALS when he was young and that would have been a really interesting parallel to explore. I want the director's cut.
Went to see the wolfman yesterday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised with all the practical effects as I was expecting CGI throughout!defo a decent watch and good start to the year cinema wise also will be buying on dvd and looking forward to seeing companion. 🖤🐺🎬🍿
I love your comment about movies not having to be too mind-bending or twisty. Some of my favorite movies are simple, easy watches. Beautiful and well-written, but I don't have to overthink the plot. I can just enjoy. That's what I loved about Wolf Man. I'll always trust Leigh to give me an enjoyable watch experience.
I loved this movie! Both the transformation and all the body horror were super effective, and I thought the tension was great.
Single best, most informative review of this film. I can't wait to see it next week! I can't help but notice a trend in the last 2-3 years, where lower-rated movies are actually way better than higher rated ones. I guess too many mainstream audience members consider themselves critics nowadays.
I loved it. The sound was awesome. The visuals were beautiful. I love that he went with a disease instead of a full moon and a silver bullet. I love that it started right away. Some people found this slow but I thought it was really well paced. I loved the twist. I really liked that we got to see the different POVs as well. It had heart, suspense, well done scares. I LOVE that most of it was done with practical effects and costuming and makeup. I also love that they should the slow transformation of his change, instead of him all of a sudden being a wolfman. Overall I was really impressed with this movie
I thought Wolf Man looked cheesy as hell, but hearing about the ALS allegory convinced me. Gonna see it now.
What did you think?
This review shocked me
January being the "Horror Graveyard" kinda sounds like it should be the best month for horror :D
Thank you for your review, I had seen a trailer the other day and wasn't sure, but now I definitely will be looking out for this when it comes to streaming/dvd!
half way werewolf transformations, thats when they look the most horrific!....there must be a bit of human visible to make it truly disturbing
True! But I think other pieces of media, like the game The Quarry, accomplish that idea better. There’s a scene in this movie when they hit a werewolf, and afterwards Blake says “it was standing on its hind legs like a person.” It just looked like a man. It didn’t look like an animal in silhouette at all. That took me out of the movie lol
i love your reviews and the context you give. i'm so gonna watcht it in theaters.
saludos desde méxico, te tqm :)
I'm an aspiring screenwriter and my goal is write a movie so good and emotional it makes Sarah cry in the theatre, in fact it shall make audiences weep!
Duuuuude same. I saw the Blumhouse Productions credit at the start and I was like, this is not a vibe. But I really liked it. Three and a half stars for having a fun transformation, great acting and spooky vibes ❤
it wasn't perfect but it was decent and some parts were pretty sense. alot i would change but overall i wasn't mad or bored
I hear it lacks a lot of gore and traditional werewolf hack and slash scenes.
But if the drama is good and shot well then I'm interested for sure.
Theres plenty of splatter werewolf movies out there already.
It’s definitely not a gore fest by any means there are minimal characters BUT I felt like there were a few tough moments for sure!
I adore werewolf media so I know I will like this movie but I am with you in that my expectations are low because of Blumhouse. Im glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Totally off topic but your room and how it's set up kicks ass.
I also liked it. It was beautifully shot. I loved the cinematography. The acting was on point, and the music score was sooooo good especially "Goodbye!"
It was actually shot in New Zealand
@TSOTL-0302 Oh nice! Regardless it was gorgeous.
@@TSOTL-0302I knew it!!! When I saw those mountains I could just tell
I thought the camera work and sound track were really good at ramping up tension. Some parts didnt work for me, but other parts really hit the mark
I felt some tears throughout the film! This movie was heartbreaking 🥺💔 Christopher Abott and Julia Garner + Matilda Firth had a realistic and beautiful family
I was on the fence but I think I want to see this now. As one of the critics that loved Cuckoo as much as I did I feel like this movie will also vibe with me.
I like your halo in the thumbnail from the letter "O". 😇
Given we pretty much have the same opinion on Blumhouse, I will give this a try. I, too, love werewolf/shapeshifter themed productions.
Yes in deed! We do need more wolfman movies. Thanks for the review. Can't wait to see it
yay, I'm glad you liked it too! I had a lot of fun. Was on the edge of my seat, good tension, good acting, surprised me a couple times. I just wish they'd named it something else. It didn't feel like a reimagining of the Universal monster. It didn't even feel like a wolf, it felt more like a beast man, as the opening scroll sort of set up.
Honestly Ozark made me adore Julia, so I’ll 100% be checking this one out, sometimes it’s nice to know what’s coming
Another banger review Sarah 😊
You've convinced me, I will give it a watch, the trailers weren't great so I was waiting for it to be a freebie.
HHN Orlando debuted the makeup for this movie for one night only, and fans panned it so badly they never brought him back for the duration of the event, so I’m very curious to see how the movie’s wolf transformation makeup compares to the HHN promo makeup
I was lukewarm with the film and my major takeaway was I much more enjoyed it when the characters didn't talk. Mostly in particular the daughter which I had perceived as being a weird wild card of emotions and reactions. I think that since I don't have children, and I usually don't jive with child performers, I have more of a fatigue when seeing the character in these situations.
Yes, I agree with this! I think this movie would’ve been much better if Ginger was a teenager or if it was instead Blake and his two daughters. That would’ve helped me connect to the film better, personallt
Damn I’m first!🎉 I am excited for it but blumhouse always means no actual dread or “horror” to me.
I’m on the same page as you on this one! I’m glad I’m not the only one who dug it. I thought it was a really interesting take on the werewolf movie, and I loved the degenerative disease angle. The werewolf design is just an extension of that. The emotional through line really worked for me as well, I’m also a parent. Definitely think people are being too harsh on it.
I liked it too! I honestly preferred it to Invisible Man and I dug the dynamics and isolation as well.
I also liked it!!! It wasn't the most ground breaking thing in the universe, but it was a really fun watch experience and they did some interesting and clever things.
oh my god i love your videos so much honestly.
Thank you Sarah for the info, def going to check it out now . I wasn’t going to because reviews but now I think. I will because your video
honestly people who complain about movies being what you signed up for makes no sense bc how else would the others who twist your expectations and through you for a loop be impactful; if all the movies we watch have high highs then it’ll just flatten our so we need soft lows that’ll be what we signed up for but show a new light on the formula we’re used to
My friend and I went opening night. We were a bit tipsy and the only ones in the theater, and we had a great experience! Both of us were very pleased with it even though my expectations were low.
The movie is very dark, which is a critique worth noting because if you watch this on streaming, you'll need to turn your brightness level all the way up to see it
Thank you for this review, I was getting discouraged by the reviews and IMDB and letterboxd ratings but I'm hyped again especially since it's Whannel. I probably still would've given it a chance viewing even if it's turns out terrible.
I seen the movie and honestly I thought I could of been better, it was def not gory,it was an OK film,werewolf in london was a much better movie even how old it is
I was it with my sister and also liked it. I too notice the sound was great and I recognized that the guy who wrote the score for this movie also did both IT movies.
Whannell doesn't do himself any favors by listing The Fly as an influence. His Wolf Man is an anemic imitatation of that horror classic. The problem is that Abbott and Garner are playing a couple that really don't care for each other. I didn't sense the emotional connection that Geena Davis had for Goldblum in The Fly
Just watched it cause of this. Is it my favorite movie?? NO. But it did bring in horror elements I haven’t seen. Love the “villain” povs going on in horror rn, like presence. Also the visual effects for what the wolf man sees was quite beautifully terrifying. And did I foresee the plot twists that were suppose to be gaggy pretty early on in the movie? Yes yes I did. Buttt it had me holding on to my seat either way cause of the tension or grief felt. Also really loved the storytelling of the family’s power dynamic and body horror of it all
Yeah even though I still love The Invisible Man more I still personally really really enjoyed Wolf Man and I've seen Wolf Man twice in theaters. even though I really enjoyed this movie this movie does move by a little too fast like I wish this movie was 15 to 20 minutes longer and I wish we got more lore about the werewolves but besides these nitpicks I still really really like this movie, I personally hope Leigh Whannell does another Universal Monster movie.
I liked this movie too, I'm surprised so many people didn't. I felt bad for the main character.
I think part of my disappointment with it is exactly this! Blake was a very well written character, and then we left his perspective and instead focused on the wife’s point of view after he was “too far gone”, which felt like a pretty big waste
I was really hooked on his character up until we just stopped getting any insight as to how he’s feeling, what he’s thinking, etc. The other two characters in the film felt a lot more one dimensional in comparison
I liked the following transformations/POV. As a Makeup artist, I loved the Wolf Humanoid. But I agree with you, the acting from the Julia Garner was terrible, or the way she was written was terrible, there was no growth majorly at the end of the film. And there is 3 main characters so having her having soo much weight to the movie left me… baffled. Even at the end where it all… ends… I didn’t believe her.
I don’t think it’s Julia’s fault she’s better than her performance in this movie!!
@ I haven’t seen any of her other work. I just couldn’t let go of the lack of grown in the character. But I did quite enjoy the rest of the film. Just soo much weight on a character without growth… or lack of character.
I like how you are always willing to say exactly what you think, popular opinion be damned!
atyd mentioned! i can't wait to hear your thoughts once you've finished!
Good review and cool video Sarah!👍
I’m glad you made a vid about this after watching it I automatically thought of coming here for an review
Sarah dropping an ATYD mention was not on my 2025 bingo board
It’s incredible lmao
@ its so good!!! my two worlds are colliding and i couldn’t be happier
Thank you for this review. I really enjoyed this movie and will probably end up loving it on a second viewing. I totally agree that the average scores are doing the film a great disservice. I almost didn’t see it when I saw the RT score. Glad I ignored the scores. Invisible Man was a greater experience the second time, I have no doubt this will hit harder as well.
Okay thank you I was on the fence about seeing it but I tend to agree with your takes
I loved this movie. It felt like a metaphor for addiction or disease. It was heartbreaking to watch and i hate that everyone was hating on the wife! I think she did a great job and the shock seeing her husband change felt very real. The daughter not understanding and still trying to get through to her father was so hard to watch! I loved it
Yeah this movie has been added to the Father’s Day (horror) category 😂 I actually enjoyed this film, how it was filmed at night-which usually makes viewing harder to see what is going on but it had to work since it’s a werewolf film, the battle scenes of the father viewing his family through the transformation while still holding onto his human self, the crash scene, and the parallel from the end to the beginning. Yes it had its predictable moments but I would definitely rewatch it.
sarah (or anyone) any chance you know where this shirt is from.
i love the thumbholes with the half button up
There wasn’t really a plot. The dialogue was poor, the pacing was bad. The repetitive ‘where is it’ build ups just so she could run into another room and do the ‘where is it’ thing again for the whole movie 😂 The fights looked like grown men play fighting in cosplay. It was slow and anticlimactic and felt like it was made by students who had access to expensive equipment. This would have been an okay short but I have no idea who read the script and approved it. By the end everyone in my theatre gave up and were laughing at it and talking. When she says “he just wants it to end” I was like yeah me too 😂
The way I threw my hands up and yelled “YES!!!” The moment you said you liked this movie 😂😂. I’ve been feeling like I’m on an island with this cause I liked it too.
I get the criticisms (I guess 😜 ) but this did not deserve all the bad reviews and low ratings. Like c’mon lol.
This movie gave me THE BEAST WITHIN VIBES
I've decided I'm going to go see this now after hearing your review, I think I'll like it, will let ya know, thanks!!
I was mid on this movie. I thought that the body horror stuff was pretty effective and I loved the POV shots, but the theming was a bit heavy handed and the story & characters felt pretty flat. 2.5 / 5.
i cant BELIEVE you're reading all the young dudes, my girlfriend is OBSESSED with this movie
Story.. Tbh, what story?
Calling it a werewolf movie, and it basically doesn't have any werewolves.
The characters had 0 chemistry. If the daughter and mom were supposed to grow closer, they shit the bed on that.
Christopher and Julia's characters just don't explore their imploding marriage and how Julia doesn't connect to Matilda's character.
Even the critics and general audience that expected a decent movie (minus the hyper violence and gore) didn't like the movie. With their criticism being more from expecting something basic with a mild character study.
And maybe not have it all happen in one night.
I liked the premise of this movie, so the bones of the story were good, but the execution of it really failed the ideas around it
I agree the characters and character relationships outside of Blake and Ginger fell VERY flat. And the one night setting plus the flashback felt really rushed, too! I agree!
A great and under the radar Leigh Whannell movie is Upgrade (2018). Well worth a watch :)
I love that movie!!
I absolutely loved the theming in this flick and the daddy/daughter relationship was great. I also loved how it updated it, took that European aspect out & made it distinctly American.
But yeah, i agree it felt like people watched a different movie. Seen lots of complaints about things that aren’t even in the movie and others saying the movie doesn’t do certain things when it does. And honestly? A few reviews just made shit up fully.
Also? Fantastic imax presentation between the sound design & cinematography. The scenic shots? Gorgeous.
ive been seeing so much negativity, a close friend of mine even said it was a 0/10 and so boring... although everything ive heard (primarily from you and spookyastronauts) makes me feel like i'd love. Invisibile Man is one of my top 10 movies so I feel like I have to see this!
0/10 is an absolutely unacceptable review of ANY movie. This was a 2/5 star for me personally, but if you think you’d enjoy it watch it! You won’t know how you feel about it until you see it
I really enjoyed this too! Loved that they dropped the r@cist Romani storyline, talked about toxic masculinity without being so in your face about it, and put the emotion into the transformation + great nods to the original. I saw it twice once in IMAX (totally worth it!) and have decided on a 4.5/5, just because of how much fun I had with it/was surprised by it/low-key want to raise its score on Letterboxd. Side note: Would love to hear your thoughts on GRAFTED - I LOVED it (👀 3x already)! 🙈 I genuinely wouldn’t not be surprised if it’s my favorite movie of this year.
I liked the movie as well, i enjoyed it being a different take on the whole becoming a werewolf mythos. I liked it being inspired by the fly. I agree i connected with the tragedy of the movie and how it was about a father trying to not become the monster hes trying to protect his kid from.
5:17 yessss! was wondering if you’d read this next after manacled.
I actually started it before Manacled but was reading it really casually. Manacled just sucked me in and consumed me I couldn’t stop lol
@ I’ve started manacled before but stopped for whatever reason. i think it’s beings traditionally published will push me to finish.
welcome to the world of fanfic lol, from another early 30’s year old. love all the book content the last few years
You rock, Sarah!!
I was surprised to see this playing on the IMAX locally, but obviously this is January. I'll check it out at your recommendation tho! I'm kinda desperate for a movie worth going to see.
*_I guess the moviegoers thought the transformations really sucked and that it was really nothing better than a streaming movie you watch on a Monday?_*
Julia Garner is a fabulous actress!
Really like your breakdown
I didn't hate the movie it was ok at best. Good sound design and cinematography. I didn't like the wolf transformation it was more treated more like an infection and they looked more like zombies than Werewolves. I also thought there would be more werewolves, it was centered around the family, which I didn't really buy into Julia Garner's wife character as the final girl if you will, she kept leaving her daughter with the husband or in different parts of the house, it was odd. I just expected more from Leigh Whannell. I much prefer the 2010 Wolfman with Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins and even the action horror Werewolves with Frank Grillo's.
11:40 no. No it isn't. Every werewolf/wolfman gains more hair when they transform. This thing loses hair when they transform. I don't care how much practical effects you use if you're creator design is trash it's trash, and this "wolfman " design is trash
It's a wolf MAN, not werewolf
I feel like the marketing for this movie was horrible. I only heard about this movie when i went to see Nosferatu. I was also scared this movie was going to be bad. Surprisingly i loved it. The practical effects were amazing. It was a bit predictable but the slow transformation and going through it with the characters was awesome. I'm surprised it got so much hate, because its a solid movie! More love for this movie!
I was listening to music on Spotify one night and the trailer came on and I had never been genuinely scared by a movie trailer before.
A great werewolf movie is called, My Animal! It has Amandla Stenberg and it's gay
People were definitely too harsh on this movie. I gave it 3 ½ as well. I actually think I liked it more than Nosferatu which I gave 3 stars. Nosferatu felt hollow and artificial to me - didn't like the design of Orlock, hated the acting, characters felt flat with no emotion, tons of scenes that just look like CGI enhanced soundstages, not scary, not sexy, not disturbing. And I love all of Eggers other films.
Wolf Man, while not amazing, at least brought some emotion, and an interesting perspective on a classic tale. And I enjoyed the acting.
Love the body horror but I literally felt nothing
i was a bit on the fence about seeing it because of the negative reviews (i tend to usually like leigh whannell's movies) but I might go check this one out!
I liked how this movie was predictable and wrapped up in a nice bow with a little chefs kiss