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**Wolf Man Is a Taut Thriller That Cleverly Recontextualizes Its Monster**
In a surprise move, Universal Monsters has unleashed a new take on the classic Wolf Man franchise, and the results are nothing short of astonishing. The latest installment in the series, simply titled **Wolf Man**, eschews traditional horror tropes and instead presents a taut thriller that cleverly recontextualizes its monster.
Directed by Leigh Whannell (**Saw**, **Upgrade**), this fresh spin on the Wolf Man’s tale is an exercise in restraint and subtlety. Gone are the over-the-top creature features of yesteryear; in their place, we find a tightly wound narrative that expertly walks the line between suspense and social commentary.
The film centers around Christopher Abbott (**It Comes at Night**, **It Doesn’t**), whose performance as the titular character is a masterclass in understatement. His Wolf Man is not some mindless beast, but rather a complex, tortured soul struggling to reconcile his dual identities as both man and monster. This added depth lends an air of tragedy to the proceedings, making what would have been a straightforward horror film feel instead like a poignant exploration of humanity’s darker aspects.
Julia Garner (**Ozark**, **Inventing Anna**), in a supporting role, brings a similar level of nuance to her character, adding a layer of emotional complexity that elevates the entire production. Her presence serves as a reminder that even in a world where monsters roam free, there is still room for compassion and empathy.
Whannell’s direction proves equally adept at balancing tone and pace, expertly ratcheting up the tension before unleashing brutal, visceral violence when least expected. This newfound emphasis on restraint pays dividends, making **Wolf Man** feel like less of a traditional horror film and more akin to a slow-burning thriller that just so happens to feature shape-shifting, blood-curdling terror.
Universal Pictures has announced plans for a wide theatrical release in the coming months, with Christopher Abbott set to promote the film on his social media channels.
Source: gizmodo.com
