Our society has been begging us to choose between vampires and werewolves for centuries — and a new case for the werewolf has just entered the chat. It’s scary, it’s hairy, and it’s the latest Blumhouse film to hit the big screen: Wolf Man.
Hitting theaters today, Wolf Man follows a New York City family as they trade urban life for a farmhouse deep in the Oregon wilderness. After a strange animal attacks the father, Blake (Christopher Abbott), it quickly becomes clear that the real danger is coming from inside the house — and it’s looking a little wolf-ish.
If that hasn’t already piqued your interest, don’t worry — here are five more reasons why this is the horror movie you need to see this winter.
1. Julia Garner Returns to the Big Screen (Where She Belongs!)
A big-screen moment for Julia Garner? Yes, please! The Emmy-winning actress has already won over Netflix fans with her iconic roles as Ruth Langmore in Ozark and Anna Delvey in Inventing Anna. While Wolf Man isn’t her first foray into film — her gripping performance in The Assistant (2019) proved her cinematic chops — this movie marks a well-deserved return to the theatrical spotlight. We see that Times Square billboard, Julia, and we are here for it.
2. Jump Scares Galore
Are you the kind of horror-movie fan who grips your friend’s hand until it turns purple? Or maybe you’re the type to clutch your popcorn until a well-timed scare sends it flying? Either way, Wolf Man delivers. Packed with expertly executed jump scares, this film will have your heart pounding — or have you watching through the gaps between your fingers.
3. Practical Effects: A Love Letter to Classic Horror
If you’re a horror purist with a love for old-school effects, you’ll be happy to know that Wolf Man keeps it classic. No over-reliance on CGI here — the werewolf transformations were done practically, thanks to special effects wizard Arjen Tuiten. The result? A visceral, terrifying metamorphosis that unfolds in real time, making the horror all the more tangible.
4. A Fresh Emotional Take on The Wolf Man
While Leigh Whannell’s Wolf Man is a brand-new spin on the classic, the character has been haunting audiences since 1941’s The Wolf Man. A 2010 remake starring Anthony Hopkins reintroduced the legend, and now, 15 years later, this latest reimagining brings a deeply emotional edge. Watching a loved one slowly transform into something monstrous adds a heartbreaking layer to the terror — one that’s sure to sink its claws into your soul.
5. The Perfectly Creepy Setting
If nothing else, this movie serves as a reminder that some of us need WiFi, cell service, and the comfort of city life. The deep Oregon wilderness provides the ideal setting for this horror tale, with its dark, creaky farmhouse and generator-powered electricity adding to the unease. There’s plenty of eerie, open space for havoc to unfold — and for a werewolf to prowl, pounce, and terrify an entire theater.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect horror flick to shake up your winter, Wolf Man is howling for your attention. Grab your popcorn (and maybe a friend’s hand) — this one’s going to be a wild ride.
