Werewolf by Night (2022)

Werewolf by Night (2022)

 

7/10

Starring

Gael García Bernal

Laura Donnelly

Harriet Sansom Harris

 

Directed by Michael Giacchino

 

A wonderful change from what you’d expect from Marvel and a great fifty-minute special—this movie delivers. I enjoyed every moment. The pacing was spectacular, with a story that was precise and on point. The movie was presented in black and white, which added to its charm. One thing that stood out was the use of old practical effects. While there is some CGI, it doesn’t overwhelm the action the way many other MCU movies do. The cast of this special hits all the right notes, making the movie radiate just the right shade of cool.

This movie is a blend of action, horror, and fantasy, and it serves as a great introduction to Marvel’s monster side. It’s the first Marvel Studios Special, and it’s part of Marvel Phase 4, giving it a rightful place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). I’m not sure if there will be a follow-up, but if Marvel decides to continue this, they absolutely should. Just imagine another Monster special next year, either continuing this story or exploring another monster tale.

Or perhaps we’ll see Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal) or Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) make appearances in future MCU projects.

The plot is simple yet effective. Ulysses Bloodstone is dead, and the Bloodstone Gem, along with its power, must now be passed to the next monster hunter. It was supposed to go to his daughter Elsa, but the movie doesn’t delve much into the fallout between father and daughter (maybe being saved for future releases, or maybe we will never know).

Now, the stone, the home, the wealth, and its power are up for grabs. Ulysses’ wife (Elsa’s stepmother) is conducting a trial to determine who will inherit it. Whoever wins will wield the Bloodstone. The trial brings together top monster hunters, and Elsa shows up as it is her right to claim the stone, which should have been hers by inheritance.

A monster—whose name we learn much later—has been strapped with the stone. To claim it, the hunters must kill the monster. To make things even more intense, all hunters are in it for themselves, so killing each other is fair game.

It is not clear to me what role this movie plays in the entire MCU, or if it is just a one-time thing, but it was exciting to see. This movie is available for viewing on Disney+, and it’s absolutely worth your time. I’m already gearing up for a re-watch soon.