Werewolf by Night

I had no idea Marvel was capable of something like this. I had never heard of this character and I didn't know what it was before its release. The writers, director, etc.. I hope Disney has locked them down. Everything about this is magical. Even the presentation, which I assume is an homage to century old creature features. Im just blown away at the creativity, storytelling, the casting, all of it. This thing was short and they still did the male and female lead justice with a proper backstory and very satisfying finish. I am hoping Marvel can take this masterpiece and build from it. Obviously I wouldn't expect future productions of these characters to be this perfect, but I hope they put forth the same effort. Its all anyone can ask.

This special feature was a breathe of fresh air for the MCU. It's unclear how connected this will be to the main MCU as of yet, but I hope they carry forward the darker side of the marvel universe, and when needed, the darker tone.

The film is a great tribute both it's source material, as well as to the classic creature feature of the '50s. The story is straight forward and easy to follow, with decent acting. However the style and cinematography of this is what gives it such a high writing in my opinion. The black and white, vintage style really suits the mood and tone of the film, and makes it stand out.

All I can do is recommend this film, not just to Marvel fans wanting something new from the MCU, but also to any enjoyers of vintage horror.

Master monster hunter Ulysses Bloodstone is dead. Various monster hunters have been summoned to Bloodstone Manor. Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal) and Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) are two hunters. One will inherit the powerful Bloodstone. There is a trial. The hunter who kills the monster wins.

The MCU is taking a side trip. It's a throwback to old black and white horror. It has some fun. It has some horror. It has some camp. It's not directly connected to the main MCU stories. I hope that they do more of this and that it remains a side story. I like both Bernal and Donnelly. There is good potential here.

Werewolf by Night is an unexpectedly atypical MCU release. It doesn't feel like the usual MCU genre. It's a lot darker and in the direction of horror. And I'm really happy with how they didn't seem to hold back on the violence. There is actually blood! (looking at you, Morbius, a vampire movie with zero blood)

I love the style, somewhat of a throwback to old monster flicks. Michael Giacchino does a good job with both directing and the musical score. There are some good horror moments and a few great shots.

Overall I really enjoyed this special. I know there is the Marvel fatigue crowd probably groaning over more content, but I don't get fatigue from awesomeness. I would love to see more specials like this.

(2 viewings, 10/15/2022, 7/15/2024)

Werewolf by Night retains the MCU's trademark humour for better and for worse and would've definitely benefited from a longer run time but it remains a great exercise in genre with a clear love for classic monster movies and has a blast going to more violent ends than usual.

Gael García Bernal brings the heart and clumsy charm to the proceedings whilst Laura Donnelly is the more stoic one with some solid dry wit to balance it out and Harriet Sansom Harris absolutely chews the scenery to great effect.

The use of black and white combined with the added film grain and cigarette burns is really impressive and enhances the experience. It also really helps it standout in an increasingly crowded and overly familiar universe.

Michael Giacchino's direction is amazing, especially for a debut. It's so artistically composed in its striking imagery and skillfully controlled symphonies of violence. Giacchino's score is also excellent, instantly evocative and grandiose in all the right ways.