Reviews

Wolf Man (15) |Close-Up Film Review

Dir: Leigh Whannell, US, 2025, 163min

Cast: Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott, Sam Jaeger

Review by Matthew Morlai Kamara

From the visionary mind that redefined horror with The Invisible Man (2020) comes Wolf Man, an unrelenting and deeply emotional nightmare that reimagines the creature feature for a modern audience.

This gripping tale thrusts viewers into a harrowing journey of survival, where fear and desperation rule every moment.

The story centers on Blake (Christopher Abbott )and his family, who embark on a tranquil retreat that quickly spirals into chaos. Their serene escape is violently shattered when a feral, unseen predator launches a savage attack, forcing them to seek refuge in a desolate farmhouse. As the creature circles its prey from outside, the family faces a relentless battle against an enemy they cannot fully comprehend.

Yet, the real terror lies within. As the hours crawl by and the night deepens, tension inside the farmhouse reaches a breaking point. Trust begins to fracture, secrets surface, and Blake’s own erratic behavior raises chilling questions. With the lurking predator as a constant threat, the family must confront not only the horror outside but also the unraveling dynamics within. Every moment pulses with dread, every silence crackles with potential doom.

Wolf Man elevates itself above traditional horror fare by delivering a visceral, edge-of-your-seat experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. The film’s scares are expertly layered, blending supernatural terror with raw, human vulnerability. The performances are mesmerizing, with the cast delivering gut-wrenching emotion that grounds the terror in a painfully real context.  Visually, Wolf Man is a masterpiece. The shadowy cinematography and meticulous sound design create an atmosphere where every creak and whisper send shivers down your spine. The creature’s presence—rarely seen but always felt—is an embodiment of primal fear, amplified by the film’s relentless pacing and razor-sharp tension.

But Wolf Man is more than just a horror film. At its core, it’s a story of sacrifice, survival, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love. The emotional stakes are as high as the physical ones, making this a horror experience that’s as heartbreaking as it is terrifying.  For those who crave horror with a bold narrative edge, Wolf Man is a must-see. It’s a chilling, heart-pounding tale that solidifies its creator’s place as one of modern horror’s great visionaries.