The modern horror movie landscape has been filled with highs and lows, and Wolf Man (2025), directed by Leigh Whannell, aimed to bring a fresh resurgence to the werewolf horror subgenre. Released on January 17th, the film promised a unique blend of body horror and psychological horror, appealing to fans of atmospheric horror, practical effects, and character-driven storytelling. But does it live up to the hype?
One of the biggest selling points of Wolf Man was its use of practical effects, but unfortunately, the execution feels outdated. Instead of offering groundbreaking visuals, the CGI and makeup effects seem more fitting for a film from a decade ago rather than a 2025 horror release. The dark, moody cinematography tries to build tension, but the film never quite delivers the immersive, unsettling atmosphere that fans of psychological horror crave.
Despite the film’s narrative shortcomings, the cast delivers commendable performances. Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner bring emotional weight to their roles as Blake and Charlotte, but their characters’ troubled relationship, a subplot introduced early on, is largely abandoned after the first 30 minutes.
However, the standout performance comes from Matilda Firth, who plays the couple’s daughter, Ginger. Her character’s growing fear and eventual realization of what must be done provide the film’s most emotionally gripping moments. Firth’s facial expressions capture the horror and internal struggle in a way that stands out in an otherwise underwhelming experience.
A major issue with Wolf Man is its failure to create a compelling narrative. While it attempts to generate sympathy for the central family, it never provides a strong emotional hook. The film struggles to build genuine tension, and rather than delivering a gritty, haunting experience, it often feels more like an entry-level horror movie.
As a whole, Wolf Man (2025) fails to leave a lasting impact. While it boasts a talented cast and has the potential to reinvigorate the werewolf genre, it ultimately falls short due to lackluster storytelling, outdated visuals, and an inability to create meaningful suspense.For hardcore horror fans looking for a truly terrifying werewolf movie, Wolf Man may disappoint. However, for those new to the horror genre, it might serve as an accessible, albeit forgettable, introduction to psychological and body horror.
