Leigh Whannell’s ‘Wolf Man’ Reboot Divides Critics with Primal Horror

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Director Leigh Whannell returns to Universal‘s classic monster franchise with “Wolf Man,” a reimagining of the iconic werewolf tale starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. The film, set to release on January 17, 2025, has garnered mixed reviews, with critics praising its practical effects and intense storytelling but questioning its depth and originality.

Whannell, known for his 2020 hit “The Invisible Man,” brings a fresh take to the werewolf mythos, reimagining lycanthropy as a disease rather than a curse. “Wolf Man” follows Abbott’s character, Blake, as he grapples with his transformation and the emotional toll it takes on his family. The film emphasizes practical makeup and prosthetics over CGI, a choice that has divided critics. While some applaud the homage to classic horror aesthetics, others find the effects inconsistent and underwhelming.

“It’s gripping enough — a mid- rather than top-tier Blumhouse entry,” one critic noted, while another praised the film’s “dizzying, grotesque, and tragic” portrayal of body horror. The transformation scenes, particularly those involving fingernails and teeth, have been described as “astounding, unnerving, and grotesque.”

Christopher Abbott’s performance has been a standout, with critics highlighting his ability to convey both vulnerability and primal rage. “Abbott shines in the lead role, skillfully balancing the protective instincts of a loving father with the primal rage of a man going rabid,” one review stated. However, Julia Garner’s role has been criticized for lacking depth, with some suggesting her character was underdeveloped or poorly edited.

The film’s sound design and set pieces have also drawn praise. “The sound design is excellent, which goes a long way towards adding tension to multiple scenes of characters standing at the end of dark hallways holding their breath,” one critic wrote. Another noted the “Spielbergian ability to put viewers on edge,” comparing certain sequences to iconic moments from “Jurassic Park.”

Despite its strengths, “Wolf Man” has been criticized for its derivative premise and lack of scares. “The basic premise of the family unit being targeted feels repetitive and derivative of other Blumhouse movies,” one review noted. Another added, “It’s not particularly scary. It does boast some gory sequences… but you won’t be terrified.”

Overall, “Wolf Man” is seen as a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the Universal Monsters canon. As one critic put it, “You might be wishing that ‘Wolf Man’ had more bite, but it will leave you wanting Leigh Whannell to bring another Universal Monster to life.”