Werewolf by Night: A Bloody Good Time, But Is It More Than a Halloween Treat?
"Werewolf by Night," Marvel’s first foray into the horror genre, lands on Disney+ this Friday, promising a thrilling descent into the world of monster hunters and supernatural creatures. While the special presentation is a welcome addition to the MCU’s ever-expanding landscape, it leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Is this just a one-off Halloween treat, or a sign of a burgeoning new sub-genre within the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Diving into a World of Black and White:
Directed by Michael Giacchino, the composer who has graced many Marvel films with memorable soundtracks, "Werewolf by Night" is a captivating visual experience. Inspired by classic horror films of the 1930s and 40s, the special is presented entirely in black and white, embracing a vintage aesthetic with "cigarette burns" strategically placed to further heighten the nostalgic feel. While the use of distortion lenses and depth of field subtly reveal the modern touch, Giacchino masterfully blends the classic with the contemporary, further enhanced by the inclusion of Vera Lynn’s haunting vocals and a familiar tune from "The Wizard of Oz."
The Appeal of Practical Effects & Genre Bending:
"Werewolf by Night" embraces practical effects, offering a refreshing change from the CGI-heavy landscape of the MCU. From the terrifying creatures to the dynamic action sequences and the convincingly gritty environments, the special captures a tangible quality, grounding the narrative in a world that feels real and visceral. This approach, paired with a screenplay from Heather Quinn ("Hawkeye") and Peter Cameron ("WandaVision"), allows for a skillful balance of violence and humor, even weaving in moments of quiet reflection that delve into themes of family and generational trauma.
A Brief Bite: The Horror Factor & Runtime Woes:
While hailed as the first true MCU horror film, "Werewolf by Night" falls short in delivering genuine chills. While the blood splatter appears plentiful – though toned down thanks to the black-and-white palette – the lack of true scares is a significant drawback. The special’s biggest flaw, however, lies in its brevity. Clocking in at a mere 48 minutes, the runtime feels too short to adequately flesh out the characters or delve deeper into the complexities of the narrative.
A World Beyond (or Alongside) the MCU?
The special focuses on the hunt for the Bloodstone relic, a powerful artifact left behind by the late Ulysses Bloodstone (voiced by Richard Dixon). The hunt draws together a group of monster hunters, including Ulysses’ estranged daughter Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) and our protagonist, Jack Russell/Werewolf by Night (Gael García Bernal). While "Werewolf by Night" attempts to build suspense around Jack’s transformation, the reveal is somewhat predictable due to extensive marketing. The first half of the special presents a thrilling "Hunger Games" style contest, while the second half delves deeper into Jack’s monstrous alter ego.
The special’s brutal kills, particularly in the climactic third act, showcase the menacing side of the titular creature, but the overall flow feels slightly rushed. Despite the innovative attempt to explore a new genre, "Werewolf by Night" seems to fall short, and its connection to the larger MCU remains uncertain. The special’s fleeting nature leaves audiences wondering if this is a self-contained story or a stepping stone towards something grander.
A ‘Special Presentation’ or a Sign of Things to Come?
Following the release of the "I Am Groot" shorts and now "Werewolf by Night," the question arises: Is Marvel Studios embracing a new era of special presentations? The introduction of a new animated intro sequence for "Werewolf by Night" suggests that more standalone special presentations may be on the horizon. However, with an ever-expanding universe brimming with unique characters, the possibility of losing beloved heroes in the shuffle must be considered. "Werewolf by Night," while captivating, could be a forgotten footnote amongst the multiverses and sagas shaping the future of the MCU.
Conclusion:
"Werewolf by Night" presents a thrilling and visually captivating experience, offering a unique blend of classic horror aesthetics and modern storytelling techniques. However, the short runtime prevents the exploration of deeper themes and character development, and the lack of genuine scares might leave some viewers wanting more. While the special serves as an exciting foray into horror for the MCU, its future within the larger narrative remains uncertain. Perhaps "Werewolf by Night" is merely a thrilling interlude in an ever-growing canvas, but its potential impact on the trajectory of the MCU is yet to be discovered.
