This was one of the pleasant surprises of Phase IV of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022: a horror film that pays homage to the classics of the genre. This Marvel Special had the distinction of being in black and white, and if you missed it last year, its color release today on Disney+ might make you want to discover it. We recommend Werewolf by night!
What is it about?
On a moonless night, a group of monster hunters gather at the dreaded Bloodstone Temple after the death of their leader. During a strange ceremony dedicated to his memory, members of this secret organization participate in a mysterious competition, risking their lives in the hope of recovering a magical relic. This treasure hunt will lead them to a terrifying monster.
who is he with
In this “Marvel special” cast, perfect for a thrill this Halloween month, we notably meet Gael Garcia Bernal (Bad Education, Mozart in the Jungle, The Old), Laura Donnelly (The Fall, Outlander, Tolkien, The Nevers) Harriet Sansom Harris (Desperate Housewives, Licorice Pizza and appearances in several Ryan Murphy series), Leonardo Nam (4 Girls and Jeans, Westworld), Eugene Bondurant (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 2, Kidnap 3), Kirk R. Thatcher (Star Trek). Picard) and Al Hamacher (Legacies, Cobra Kai).
Is it worth checking out?
In the midst of the well-established and sometimes sanitized blockbusters of the Marvel universe, creative and refreshing pieces can appear. And since Phase IV of the MCU kicked off with the WandaVision series, it’s safe to say that we’ll have to look to the movies and series available on Disney+ to discover what’s on offer.
This is the case of the “Marvel Special” called Werewolf by Night, which is “A tribute to all the horror classics of the 50’s and 60’s, especially the Hammer films”As actress Laura Donnelly, who portrays the heroine Elsa Bloodstone, explains.
Admittedly, this medium-length film borrows the codes of B-movies and other horror classics with a refined black-and-white, theatrical, but inspired acting and a world developed with creativity and passion. Werewolf by Night is a delicious horror film inspired by the best of the golden age, but revisited with a good modernity of Marvel sauce and a calibrated staging.
First released in black and white, this film has been re-released in color for even more thrilling and bloody action! Werewolf by Night is directed by Michael Giacchino, a great composer of film and video game music, who is also writing the excellent musical score for this “Marvel Special”. His genius and passion shine through in this monstrous film full of poetry and humanity.
An intention noticed and appreciated by Laura Donnelly: “Horror films are full of metaphors about the human condition, which makes them deep and fascinating. Also, my character is trying to come to terms with his past. So the film explores the theme of family. How he tries to understand it. The family legacy and transform into the leader he will become.”
By assembling a team of hunters to hunt down demons and other evil creatures, Werewolf by Night shows that monsters are not what we think they are. And that’s thanks to the writing of screenwriters Heather Quinn (Hawkeye) and Peter Cameron (WandaVision, Moon Knight), who manage to bring sensitivity and coherence to a fairly ordinary plot.
The atmosphere of the medium-length film recalls everything we love about classics of the genre, such as Dracula or Frankenstein. It’s Gael García Bernal who plays the hero of Werewolf bis Night, named Jack Russell, the werewolf, and he does so with great sensitivity and a touch of vulnerability.
The rest of the cast is also very involved – especially Harriet Sansom Harris (the unforgettable Felicia Tillman in Desperate Housewives) and we’re really rooting for Ted, aka the man, played by Carrie Jones.
What’s next in the MCU?
If it’s included in Phase IV of the MCU, will this “Marvel Special” have an impact on the rest of the Marvel Universe? Maybe according to Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige, who explains feature from the movie “That they introduce a world that will definitely become important to the future of the MCU”.
We can speculate on the connections of the Werewolf by Night universe to Blade or Doctor Strange or even the Thunderbolts if we refer to the different connections established in the comics with characters meeting and forming alliances. But for now the future is uncertain. Laura Donnelly is ready to return either way:
“Who knows what will become of Elsa. Anyway, I hope that there will be other movies or series with this fascinating character. If so, I hope that my character will be even more evil, with even darker humor. .
I also wish we could delve deeper into his past, his childhood, to better understand who he is. How could he join other hero groups like the Midnight Sons for example. The possibilities are endless and I can’t wait to see what Marvel has in store for us. “
Werewolf by Night (Color) is available on Disney+.
Laura Donnelly was interviewed by Emmanuel Ittier.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
