Oct 10, 20223 min read

Werewolf by Night: The MCU Turning Point which Everyone Needed

Updated: Mar 1, 2023

Reviews by:

@the_owlseyes

RATE THIS MOVIE

“I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.”

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

PLOT

"Follows a lycanthrope superhero who fights evil using the abilities given to him by a curse brought on by his bloodline" or "An actual horror short by Marvel"

SCRIPT

It's a simple script which introduces the supernatural monsters in the MCU, which in itself is an outlandish event. The characters are well defined, as well as their motivations. Some of them, especially the side characters are just there to propell the plot. I like how the writers have decided to manage the relationship between the werewolf, Man-Thing and Elsa Bloodstone.

Sure, it's still unclear how it connects to the MCU narrative but this short stand on itself strong and bring something new to a genre which needed a little oost after the latest lame outings.

Bravo Michael Giacchino. Not only you're a good composer but also a talented director.

Script: 8/10

ACTING

There isn't a lot of time to evaluate the actors performances but I liked them, nonetheless. The physical and recitative skills brought by Gael Garcia Bernal shines and he is able to carry this special on his shoulders. Harriet Harris is pretty intense and delivers a good performance.

Laura Donnelly hasn't enough screentime but I think that her performance is decent, nothing remarkable.

Acting: 6/10

PHOTOGRAPHY

I like the fact that Giacchino decided to use a black and white photography to honour the old horror movies, especially the Paramount's monster movies. Light and shadows are used masterfully by creating an atmosphere of dread and awe which isn't present in most Marvel's products.

There's also the fact that the red color has a meaning, not only symbolically but also for the plot. I'm impressed.

Photography: 8/10

EDITING

There're a lot of gorgeous shots, especially when the filter is black and white. Sure, it isn't the most original editing but, regarding the horror genre, is good regarding jump scares and gory scenes which are something new for Marvel. I liked it but it's not the most impressive editing I've ever seen.

Editing: 6/10

SPECIAL EFFECTS

The SFX of the werewolf and the fact that most effects are practical is great but Man-Thing's CGI isn't the best, even though it's used well. It's acceptable but unremarkable.

Special Effects: 6/10

SOUNDTRACK

Michael Giacchino crafts a wonderful soundtrack which homages classical monster movies of the past while being thrilling and fitting for the short's tone. Considering that he is the director and this section is his own expertise, I'm impressed but I've expected it.

One of the best Marvel's soundtrack in my opinion because sets the mood and its perfectly in synch with what happens on the screen.

Soundtrack: 8/10

COSTUMES

The werewolf and cultists makeup is well done, especially the first one. I've expected Marvel to make it CGI but the SFX are top notch. The cultists clothes are cool even though a bit derivative. The other costumes are not remarkable, especially Elsa Bloodstone's.

Costumes: 6/10

CONCLUSION