This review was made possible due to an advance copy of Werewolf By Night provided by Disney for review. Werewolf By Night streams on Disney+ from Friday, 7 October 2022.
Phase 4 has been one of the MCU’s most divisive. Many have claimed to see each project as something that has “never been done before”, only with fan reactions to never reach the heights that were claimed. Well, the good news is, a project has finally lived up to that, as Michael Giacchino’s directorial debut in Werewolf By Night is a unique and macabre entry that feels reminiscent of the original era of Universal Monsters.
Setting the Scene
The scene is set with a retelling of the Bloodstone legacy and a legion of monster hunters that have kept the most treacherous of beasts at bay within the MCU. We quickly meet Jack Russel, a mysterious monster hunter whose arrived at the memorial for the one and only Ulysses Bloodstone. The most important thing to focus on is Gael García Bernal as Russel, a reserved man with incredible charm that shines through whenever he finds himself in a predicament.
Bernal will become an instant favorite within the MCU. The biggest gripe with his performance is that we didn’t get enough! He’s a wonderfully mysterious character who deserves more time in the spotlight. He shines best when you find him alongside Man-Thing…sorry…Ted! The duo will undoubtedly be beloved by viewers, an almost Rocket and Groot-like relationship that will warm your heart.
The story itself is done quite well in the 52-minute runtime, no time is wasted, and they make sure to get straight to the point in the wild hunt for the Bloodstone. Laura Donnelly is the one character I feel wasn’t given enough; we’re told of old family drama, but I feel just a little bit of that would’ve helped her character a bit more as it’s the real centerpiece of the story. She’s given a satisfying enough story, and the brimming relationship between here and Jack is something that I’m eager to see develop further down the line. She’s a dangerous gal that surely should be feared by those in the monster-hunting community of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Style
It’s the stylistic choices here that stand out the most and make this special presentation worthy of being the first (we absolutely need more of these). Giacchino feels like a natural here, his direction is quite good for his first project and watching him develop his own style is a treat of its own, and surely no trick.
The music, of course, is a standout, fitting the eerie setting of the Bloodstone estate. The man just knows exactly what he is doing here, he had a vision and executed it perfectly and let no one get in his way, and I mean no one. This is by far the most brutal of projects from Marvel Studios, kills that you would never think to see in this world, or ones that would’ve been hinted at off-screen. When I saw a throat slit and sword split a skull, I knew this was like nothing we’d seen before.
Of course, the question that just about everyone has been asking is: “What does Jack look like all wolfed up!?” Simple answer: GREAT! Absolutely massive props to the crew for the incredible work done to bring the werewolf to life practically. It’s just another stylistic choice that helps the project stand out against others, and they’re right for hiding him from folks because, when you first see him in all his glory, your eyes will widen and you’ll sit up for what’s about to transpire. Be prepared…
Final Thoughts
Werewolf By Night should be considered one of Marvel Studios’ top jewels on its crown, it’s unique and breaks out of the established comfort zone in ways that will delight those who’ve been sceptical over the past phase. It feels like something that doesn’t even need the Marvel brand; campy and pulpy where it needs to be and balances tones incredibly well.
Werewolf By Night streams on Disney+ from Friday, 7 October 2022. Check out the trailer for Werewolf By Night below:
The Review
Werewolf By Night
Werewolf By Night should be considered one of Marvel Studios' top jewels on its crown, it’s unique and breaks out of the established comfort zone in ways that will delight those who’ve been sceptical over the past phase. It feels like something that doesn’t even need the Marvel brand; campy and pulpy where it needs to be and balances tones incredibly well.
