BOTTOM LINE: Marvel’s Werewolf Horror Is Campy & Wildly Entertaining!
Skin N Swear
Gore and Blood
Action, Adventure, Horror
What Is the Story About?
Following the death of infamous monster killer Ulysses Bloodstone, his widow Verussa gathers some of the world’s most infamous hunters to basically succeed his throne. Mysterious Jack arrives there with a mission and a secret while Elsa Bloodstone has a family baggage to bear. Based on the titular comics, the studio film traverses the epic hunt for succession to win the bloodstone. What does Elsa want and Will Jack’s secret come out?
Performances?
Gael García Bernal exudes charm and mystery as Jack aka Werewolf by Night and is aptly anchored by Laura Donnelly‘s Elsa Bloodstone. The two share insane chemistry onscreen and their stunts, epic.
Analysis
Werewolf by Night is an American television special directed by
Michael Giacchino and written by Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron for Disney+ based on the Marvel Comics featuring the titular character. Produced by Marvel Studios, Werewolf by Night is an appreciable diversion from template Marvel films we were loaded with this year. The brightest part of the film is how it takes over monochrome and pays its due respect to old black and white horror.
Without stretching itself un-necessarily, the writing takes a quick dive to the night of epic hunt of succession following the demise of Ulysses Bloodstone. We are introduced to Jake Russell and a set of bland and boring hunters that apparently lacks any personality or vigor. But however, that’s not the point. Enters Elsa, the most electric character in the film who is simply not in terms with her step-mother Verussa. Very quickly, all of the hunters get to work (epic hunt of succession) with a very interesting meeting between Elsa and Jack. The two share so much chemistry even with minimal scenes together and no proper build-up to their respective stories. And this is an important takeaway from the film.
Something that’s unusually interesting about Werewolf by Night is how Marvel is unapologetic about gore and bloodshed unlike its predecessors. The action set-pieces look glorious in black and white. The gore? even more beautiful. The camera intentionally transitions in ways that remind you of films like Nosferatu (1922).
The bond shared by Jack and Ted (man-thing) is very endearing and some of the most entertaining bits of the movie are the ones with the two of them. However, one could only wish the film to be longer and for Jack, Elsa and Ted to have more well written scenes together.
In short,
Werewolf by Night is campy and wildly entertaining. It reminds you of the bygone era of monochrome horror and induces a desire for more. Besides being well scored and wonderfully staged, the film suffers from execution syndrome largely due to its duration. Nevertheless, Werewolf by Night is an epic transition to the world of monsters and wildly beings. It opens a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Albeit a good one.
Other Artists?
The performer of the film is undoubtedly Harriet Sansome Harris who plays the cold and wicked Verussa Bloodstone. She is intimidating and unpredictable. One would love a spin-off on her character alone because she exudes nonchalantly evil vibes in whatever screentime she enjoys. Besides Elsa, Jack and Verussa none of the characters register.
Music and Other Departments?
Michael Giacchino himself composes the music and score of Werewolf by Night. It’s eerie and equal parts adventurous. Zoe White’s cinematography is the usp of the film. None of that ‘ ode to monochrome horror ‘ would have worked without her exceptional camera work. Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron’s screen-writing writing falls inadequate. Thereby, robbing the audience off a highly rewarding horror adventure experience.
Highlights?
• Monochrome Camera work
• action set-pieces
• Performances
• Look-back at old horror
• Core story
Drawbacks?
• Extremely short run-time.
• lesser number of ‘high moments’
• Screenplay lacks build-up.
• Bland supporting characters
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Werewolf by Night Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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