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Werewolf by Night
(Marvel Studios)
By Lucas Allen
Unlike the DCEU, the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t afraid to experiment in different genres within their superhero world. They’ve delved into thrillers (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”), science fiction (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), and Oscar-caliber triumphs (“Black Panther”). But never horror, until now. That’s why Marvel Studios under the Disney+ banner has given fans an introduction into the darkest reaches of the MCU with their hour-long feature “Werewolf by Night.” Billed as a Special Presentation, it’s directed by Hollywood composer Michael Giacchino, who also made previous contributions to the MCU, scoring both the Doctor Strange and latest Spider-Man films.
One dark evening, a group of monster hunters gather in secret for the memorial of legendary killer Ulysses Bloodstone, brought together by the widow Verusa (Harriet Sansom Harris). Bloodstone’s estranged daughter, Elsa (Lauren Donnelly), is also there to pay final respects, while a young hunter named Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal) is there for his family’s legacy. Soon enough, Verusa tasks the hunters to find the legendary red gem Bloodstone, which is located somewhere in a large maze.
One by one, the hunters enter the maze using whatever means to find the stone first. However, as Jack and Elsa will discover, not everything is as it seems, and it becomes a plot to expose who among them is the monster. Once the werewolf is unleashed, not everybody will survive the night.
While this is not a movie, this special succeeds in paying tribute to the classic horror films of the 1930s and 40s. It’s an affectionate homage to the Universal Classic “Monsters” (like 1941’s premier werewolf film “The Wolf Man”) as well as referencing the Val Lewton produced-thrillers that revolutionize the jump scare, or simply the “Lewton Bus.” The black and white cinematography, with dark shadows at every corner, help bring the authenticity it was going for. Also, adding film scratches and cue marks is a fun way to pretend this is like a lost talkie, only in widescreen.
Though it dabbles in horror, this special has that Marvel formula introducing new characters and showing moments of action. But beyond that, it hasn’t forgotten its goals and still works as its own entity. The final sequence does deliver on the thrills you’d expect from any Marvel movie as well as the horror aspect. The werewolf makeup in the end looks great, but there’s too much CGI bloodshed, which can be a bit distracting. Perhaps, with a bigger budget and a script touching on character origins, it could still be a unique MCU film to see on the big screen and away from the usual franchise restraints.
As far as the acting goes, it’s not as strong as the previous MCU entries, but there is some likability among the main cast. Bernal is a fine lead, though another actor would’ve turned it into a real sympathetic performance in the spirit of Lon Chaney Jr., or Boris Karloff. Donnelly’s probably better in her fighting skills than her real believability when this kind of action performance worked better in other Marvel movies and TV shows. Surprisingly, the best comes from Harris, who’s basically playing an over-the-top version of a Kathy Bates character from “Misery,” “The Waterboy” or “American Horror Story.”
Despite some flaws, “Werewolf by Night” is Marvel’s first foray in the horror genre, and an otherwise pretty good one. It won’t change anyone’s minds about the state of Marvel Studios as a viable brand, but you have to hand it to producer Kevin Feige and crew for at least trying to do something different with each title based solely on genre bouncing to keep that brand alive. If Marvel horror is what you really want, this’ll likely hold you over until the inevitable arrival of “Blade” as well as their version of “Dracula.”
THE MOVIE’S RATING: TV-14
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)
