“Werewolf by Night” review
*This article contains descriptions of violence that could trigger some readers. Read at your own discretion.*
Since the record-breaking release of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in December 2021, Marvel Studios has churned out a whopping 10 original Disney+ shows and two theater releases. Many of them followed the typical Marvel formula and heavily relied on cameos to keep audiences entertained.
“Werewolf by Night” is quite possibly the project to get Marvel fans invested in the studio’s storytelling again.
The 49-minute special proves what magic can happen when a big budget project allows room for creative freedom and odes to filmmaking of generations past. “Werewolf by Night” was directed by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino, who previously scored Marvel films such as Tom Holland’s “Spider-Man” franchise and “Thor: Love and Thunder.”
“Werewolf by Night” is an almost entirely black-and-white film, something that Giachinno knew he wanted to do from the beginning, even if Marvel executives were suspicious. The choice absolutely works, and gives the film a classic ‘40s or ‘50s monster flick feel.
From the moment the Marvel title card rolls, it’s clear the short film will be breaking a lot of the barriers that built up with recent projects. Werewolf claws violently slashed through the Marvel logo and roars drowned out the theme music.
It is an excitingly terrifying start.
“Werewolf by Night” follows a group of monster hunters as they gather for one night to honor their fallen leader, Ulysses Bloodstone. He was in possession of the bloodstone, a family heirloom deadly to any type of monster, and decided to pass it down to whatever hunter could claim it off the back of a beast that night.
Among the hunters vying for the stone were the most decorated “hunter” Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal) and Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) the estranged daughter of Ulysses Bloodstone.
Having no big-budget actors involved with “Werewolf by Night” worked greatly in its favor, as it added to the intimate and understated feel of the project. Bernal and Donnelly shine in every scene, and have an intense chemistry that came through even in their limited screen time.
The night of hunting unfolds and takes fans on a dark adventure with gore levels that rival “Daredevil” and “Punisher.” There are several scenes of limbs being torn/bit off with blood splattering on the camera, up-close sword action that ends in a cut throat, and a monster burning several hunters alive.
Since the story involves monsters and focuses especially on a werewolf, violence is to be expected. It is executed in a manner that is not too disturbing for a horror or action fan, but it could definitely be a lot to handle for casual viewers.
In addition to the scary on-screen monsters, “Werewolf by Night” includes an exceptional score (by Michael Giacchino, of course) and the music added to the overall mood of peril throughout the film. Intense horns, high pitched violins, and ominous low rumbling sound effects came in at the right times to give the viewer a little jump.
“Werewolf by Night” is a fast-paced thriller that will likely be overlooked by Marvel fans who only tune in to projects for their favorite actors or heroes, but it is quite possibly one of the studio’s best and most original releases. When the credits roll, it takes a moment to sink in that the rollercoaster ride is over, and the viewer is certainly left wanting more.
This black-and-white Marvel special presentation is an extremely refreshing surprise, and is the perfect watch to get in the spooky Halloween mood.
Rating: 5/5
Kaitlyn Murphy is a first-year studying digital and print journalism. To contact her, email kvm6255@psu.edu.
