Werewolves (2024)

Werewolves (2024), directed by Steven C. Miller and written by Matthew Kennedy, is a genre-blending film that attempts to combine horror, science fiction, and over-the-top action into a single, chaotic experience. Set in a world where a supermoon triggers a global werewolf outbreak, the movie follows a group of characters fighting to survive the night as the moon rises again. While the premise is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired, making it a mixed bag for fans of B-movies and werewolf lore.

Plot Overview

The story takes place one year after a catastrophic supermoon event that turned over a billion people into werewolves, resulting in mass casualties. As the supermoon returns, Dr. James Aranda (Lou Diamond Phillips) and his team at Aranda Corp. race to test a substance called “Moonscreen,” designed to prevent the transformation. Meanwhile, ex-military man Wesley Marshall (Frank Grillo) prepares his sister-in-law Lucy (Ilfenesh Hadera) and niece Emma (Kamdynn Gary) for the impending chaos. When the experiment goes awry, Wesley teams up with Dr. Amy Chen (Katrina Law) to survive the night and protect his family from the werewolf onslaught.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The film’s greatest strength lies in its practical effects, particularly the design of the werewolves. Each creature is uniquely crafted, with detailed facial expressions and individual traits that make them stand out from the typical, cookie-cutter monsters seen in other werewolf films10. Frank Grillo’s performance as Wesley is another highlight, bringing a rugged, no-nonsense energy to the role that keeps the audience engaged.

However, Werewolves struggles to fully capitalize on its potential. The script often feels underdeveloped, with clunky dialogue and a lack of depth in its world-building. The film borrows heavily from The Purge and other survival horror tropes but fails to deliver the same level of tension or originality15. Additionally, the action sequences, while serviceable, lack the visceral impact needed to elevate the film beyond its B-movie roots.

Visuals and Tone

The movie’s visual style is a mixed bag. While the werewolf designs are impressive, the overuse of lens flares and erratic editing detracts from the overall experience1112. The film’s tone oscillates between serious and silly, with moments of black comedy that don’t always land. This tonal inconsistency makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the story.

Final Thoughts

Werewolves (2024) is a fun but flawed entry in the werewolf genre. It offers enough entertainment for fans of B-movies and practical effects, but its lack of narrative depth and uneven execution prevent it from becoming a standout film. If you’re looking for a mindless, action-packed ride with some decent creature designs, this might be worth a watch. However, those seeking a more cohesive and impactful horror experience may find it lacking.

This blog post provides a balanced review of the movie, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses while incorporating insights from multiple sources. Let me know if you’d like to adjust the tone or focus on specific aspects!