Werewolf by Night Review

Marvel has earned the good graces of their loyal fanbase. If not they would not be able to have these smaller scale productions such as Werewolf by Night which allows them to do a deep dive into their character roster. Let's get right into it. Was Werewolf by Night a success for Marvel?

For the most part, yes. It worked better because it was a shorter film presented as a special horror presentation. It also worked because it paid homage to the classic horror films of the 40s and 50s. It was deliberately shot to replicate those old school films with camera tricks. The one that looked the coolest was the werewolf transformation being done via the silhouette on the wall. It was epic, it was frightening and that old school vibe could be felt.

Gael Garcia Bernal was the lead role and he was likable but we were all truly waiting to see how this film played out and gave us the werewolf side of his character. It's not to say he gave a bad performance but it was all filler until the ultimate transformation happened. That was by design. Bernal is a more than capable actor and this film would have felt this way regardless of who played the part.

Man Thing who was the monster they were initially hunting, stole the show for me. He is important in the comics and it is doubtful that he was introduced and not killed off just to never be seen again. For a monster who didn't speak anything other than growls there was a fair bit of emotion given to him and payoff with Bernal's Jack that made sense. They may be the new best MCU duo there is. They were very good together on screen. I really truly would love to see more of Man Thing and learn more about the character.

The best human character in the film was by far Elsa Bloodstone who was played impeccably by Laura Donnelly. She comes in with that crass attitude that fades over time as she learns Jack's real identity and his real reason for being there. It's that initial ego filled attitude that drives the story forward and creates a compelling family drama at the centre of a horror short film. Donnelly is truly great as she shares the scene in the tomb with Jack and still only helps him to get her own way. Eventually it seems that he grows on her and she lets him escape into the night.

Marvel has bought the freedom to throw in a project like Werewolf by Night because they have delivered in key situations. Not calling any names in particular but other studios have not bought the same loyalty with their fanbase. This was the most ambitious Marvel has been since the early going and in my mind it paid off because of that. It reaffirms that Marvel's future should not just be about topping the last film at the box office but continuing to be the most cohesive film universe ever established. It is doubtful at this point anything else from the comic book world will ever compete with the MCU.

It would be nice to see Marvel take on more outside the box material such as this film in the future so we can be provided with these one off pleasantries more frequently. If Kevin Feige can work more of these films in it will definitely just build upon the skyscraper that currently is his legacy in films. There is no stopping the juggernaut that is Marvel and truth be told for the quality of our own entertainment I hope nothing does.