Classic horror film remake eviscerated by critics saying it ‘forgets to be scary’-Rebecca Sayce-Entertainment – Metro

A new adaptation of a classic horror film has been slated following its release, landing a low score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Directed by Saw and Insidious legend Leigh Whannell, Wolf Man is his take on the 1931 Universal Monsters flick.

The modern retelling stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, and Matilda Firth as a family preyed upon by a mysterious beast in a remote mountain range.

After his long-missing father is declared legally dead, Blake Lovett (Abbott) travels to his old hometown with his wife Charlotte (Garner) and daughter Ginger (Firth).

While driving to the farmhouse, they are attacked by a mysterious creature that scratches Blake in the process.

They seek shelter in Blake’s childhood home, but they soon begin to suspect the danger isn’t just prowling outside when Blake begins to experience a series of strange symptoms.

Leigh Whannell has rebooted 1931 werewolf flick Wolf Man for 2025 (Picture: AP)

It follows a family of three preyed upon by a beast in a remote farmhouse (Picture: AP)

Despite his success with the 2020 Universal Monster reboot The Invisible Man, lightning doesn’t seem to have struck twice with Wolf Man.

The werewolf film has scored a 52% rating with critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and a marginally better 56% on the Popcornmeter.

Critics dubbed the film ‘mediocre’ and ‘a dud’ following its theatrical release on Friday.

In their review, Little White Lies wrote: ‘This is not your typical gothic werewolf tale, then, but a dour domestic drama in wolf’s clothing.’

ABC News said: ‘Director Leigh Whannell knocked it out of the park with his riveting 2020 reboot of Invisible Man, but his take on Wolf Man is a limp, lazy excuse for thought-provoking horror. Worse, this long night’s journey into day is no fun at all.’

RogerEbert.com added: ‘A film that’s half-hearted when it shows any pulse at all.’

Despite Whannell’s success with The Invisible Man, critics were divided over his latest Universal Monster film (Picture: AP)

Man criticised its plot and take on werewolf lore (Picture: Universal Studios/Nicola Dove. All Rights Reserved)

Variety echoed the same sentiment, writing: ‘Whatever its strengths or weaknesses, every werewolf movie is ultimately judged by how well it handles the transformation and creature effects, and in that department, Wolf Man is a dud.’

Bloody Disgusting summarised: ‘The filmmaker dismantles the lore and delivers a bold new take on the werewolf, smartly refusing to explain its rules, but it’s so wrapped up in its underserved characters and subtext that it forgets to be scary.’

Not every critic agreed, however, with some praising its thematical elements and cinematography.

‘Despite occasional pacing issues, director Whannell elevates Wolf Man beyond simple horror with a powerful exploration of domestic abuse and generational trauma,’ The Sun argued.

New York Times highlighted the film’s practical effects, writing: ‘The painstaking efforts of Whannell’s practical-effects team are commendably gooey.’

Others praised the central performances as well as the practical effects (Picture: AP)

Whannell described his remake as an ‘assault’ for the eyes and ears (Picture: AP)

Empire said: ‘It doesn’t quite marry up underlying themes with its hairy horror surface, but Wolf Man delivers strong performances, skin-crawling bodily changes and excellently scary sequences.’

Whannell, who also was the co-writer of this project, spoke to Discussing Film and teased that his new film is certainly not for the faint of heart.

‘Don’t come in expecting the usual. Expect something different and distinctive. I think audiences are ready for a new take on this enduring character.

‘Hopefully, they will also have a great night out at the movies. They’ll be scared. They’ll be emotionally affected.’

He added that the film is an ‘assault’ for the eyes and the ears.

Wolf Man is in cinemas now.

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