by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer
Deep into Marvel’s Phase Four slate, audience members are starting to wonder what’s next. Post-Infinity Saga, Marvel is somewhat struggling with how to proceed forward. Phase Four has been a bit of a letdown. The MCU is at a crossroads right now, stumbling around, trying to figure out what’s next for their expanding universe. I only really like three things in Phase four: WandaVision, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. A fair amount of the Phase Four slate has been properties that were okay generally. Most of the Marvel Disney+ shows would fall under this category, along with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This phase has been plagued by issues like lack of direction for an overarching narrative, directors being given more of the reign than usual, and an expanding multiverse that has decreased the stakes for a lot of heroes. Marvel’s latest entry is neither a show nor a movie.
Werewolf by Night, directed by Michael Giacchino, and based on the comic book of the same name, is a Marvel special involving the death of Ulysses Bloodstone. As many gather for his funeral, a number of monster hunters pay tribute to the legendary leader. In order to inherit his weapon, the bloodstone, along with the rank of leader, these hunters, including Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly) and Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal), must compete in a competition hunt to retrieve the stone. The winner is blessed, or potentially cursed, with the bloodstone.
The first thing you notice immediately about the special is that it’s in black and white. I really like the aesthetics and atmosphere of Werewolf by Night because it looks like an old school monster movie. The only color throughout most of the special is the bloodstone, which radiates red whenever it’s on screen. It makes me wonder if this is the vibe that Scott Derrickson originally wanted for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It feels like a horror property, between the music and the impending doom you feel. Props to Giacchino for making amazing music (as to be expected from him) and a beautifully shot special (I was not expecting that). This proves that Giacchino is a director looking to make a mark for himself. Look out, Hollywood — Giacchino is coming for you!
As the title suggests, there is a werewolf in this special. There are two scenes in particular that stand out involving the werewolf. The first is the actual transformation scene. Giacchino does a great job of not showing too much, using shadows and a strobe light effectively. We also see Elsa’s horrified reaction in the foreground. It is a really beautifully shot scene. The other is a fight scene involving the werewolf in a room with a closing door. Same thing: great use of shadows and strobe lights. The added elements here are blood splattering on screen, which is a nice touch, and an attack sequence that feel like a single shot similar to how Daredevil on Netflix would have those signature one-shot vibes. Credit goes to Giacchino for bringing those scenes to life.
There are a few things I want to give this special credit for. I’m pleasantly surprised by how bloody and violent it is. Yes, the old school trick of making this in black and white so you don’t have to censor the blood is on full display. It is a surprisingly violent show, proving that Marvel isn’t afraid to take chances on more violent properties or stories (nor should they be). Marvel movies or television don’t normally have a lot of violence and blood, but I’m hoping this will lead to more mature content. With the acquisition of Fox’s Marvel properties like X-Men and Deadpool, and bringing in Netflix shows like Daredevil and The Punisher,this could potentially be the start of something different for Marvel.
The creature makeup and effects are pretty great. I thought the werewolf looked great and didn’t use too much CGI. The makeup in particular was strong and well done. It didn’t look too over-the-top. The performances are also generally really great. García Bernal in particular is a great addition to an already stacked MCU bench of amazing actors.
I am also a little surprised at how standalone this special is. Other than the Marvel name connected to it, there’s nothing here to suggest it’s a Marvel property. It’s nice to see that Marvel can do these standalone specials to introduce new characters and concepts. I am concerned, though, that they’re introducing these characters into a grander world with no idea on where to continue their story. Marvel’s storylines are starting to get a little bloated, and I’m wondering how on Earth they are planning on keeping everything relevant.
I also have numerous questions about why this wasn’t made into a Disney+ original movie, instead of making it into a 50-minute special. Marvel could have easily spent an extra 30 minutes or so giving us more context and background on some of the characters. With Werewolf by Night being so standalone, there’s a lot introduced that could have used more explanation. Maybe this is Marvel’s way of encouraging people to read the comic that this is semi-based on, or maybe it’s is a way to reward fans who have already read the comics. Either way, I wanted to learn more about Jack, Elsa, the bloodstone, and this group of hunters, among numerous other things. It leaves a lot to the imagination.
Werewolf by Night is a great glimpse of what Marvel’s supernatural/monster horror branch could be. In addition, this is a solid start to introducing the television special as a way to tell stories within the MCU. As a standalone piece, Werewolf by Night is a solid entry to the MCU by introducing great characters, paying homage to monster movies in an effective way, and introducing the world to director Giacchino. There are still some questions left lingering out there, but I enjoyed Werewolf by Night enough to let those questions go. I’m hoping to see more of this branch of the MCU in the future.
Score: 8/10
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