When we first saw that Marvel was making a one-off movie called Werewolf By Midnight, we wondered what exactly that was going to mean for the world of the MCU as a whole. Would it connect the other works and future projects, or will it be more akin to the Agents of Shields or Netflix Marvel series?
So that’s what we’re here to talk about, on top of our review of the movie. As always our reviews break down the content by story, acting, and overall. Let’s jump in!
Story 8/10
The story picks up with the death of the patriarch of a family of monster hunters. The daughter, who was estranged, returns amongst a bevy of familiar hunters who are trying to vie for the right to control the family. With control of the family comes the trophy of the household, the Bloodstone. The Bloodstone is a family heirloom passed down through the generations. It gives power to its holder and is a bane to monsters.
The series doesn’t really have time to dig into the exact reasons for the daughter’s abandoning of the family. They give a little verbal exposition about her childhood, but they don’t do flashbacks, they don’t dig into it, or any of the nuances of her decision. They just keep running the story.
It’s an interesting choice, not all studios would have made it. Throughout the beginning of the story seems to split focus between the daughter and a competing hunter. This movie doesn’t really focus on one member, more than the other. The main story appears to be the events that transpire through this one night.
As the hunt goes on many people die, the truth of what’s actually happening is unveiled, and a monster crashes the great hunt. That’s right, one of the hunters is a Werewolf.
The concept is fun and enjoyable, but they don’t waste your time wondering about who the monster is, or wavering on who could be the werewolf. The trailer for the movie made it look more as if it was going to be an experience similar to playing “Werewolf.” However, once the question is raised within the movie, it is immediately resolved and not a mystery.
Acting 6/10
Everyone here does a pretty good job playing their roles. Lots of props go out to Laura Donnelly who plays Elsa Bloodstone, she doesn’t really get deep into the role though. Not a lot of backstory is given about her, why she is doing what she’s doing, and her ultimate choices with the monsters. If you look closer though, you can see why she made her choices in her representation of Elsa.
Gael García Bernal as Jack is incredibly charismatic, he is fun, and I love his face makeup. Sometimes, especially when he is introduced it appears that he is the series’ real main character.
“…[Harriet Sansom] Harris eats the scenery, and perfects the cartoon Disney’s stepmother-villain…”
I also have to give props to Verussa, played by Harriet Sansom Harris, her role as an antagonist is well acted, and Harris eats the scenery and perfects the cartoon Disney’s stepmother villain that she represents throughout the movie.
Overall 7/10
In the very beginning of the movie, and then again near the end, shows how the movie fits into the world of the MCU. This group could easily interact with characters like Moon Knight, Doctor Strange, and many more as the MCU continues to expand into the magical and mystical.
Additionally, there’s plenty of room within the MCU to continue the stories of the main three cast members that survive to the end of the film.
Conner’s Final Thoughts
I would have liked to see a little bit more of the “Who is the Werewolf” aspect. However, it’s nice to see them build out these characters. I can’t wait to see if they flush out all of these characters throughout the rest of the MCU.
You can watch Werewolf By Night on Disney+ right now!
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