Werewolves have long occupied a niche in horror, and Werewolves, directed by Steven C. Miller, aims to capitalize on their resurgence with a fresh, action-packed take. Set in a dystopian future where a supermoon transforms humans into feral beasts, the film borrows liberally from The Purge while attempting to carve its own bloody path. Starring Frank Grillo in a reliably gritty lead performance, the movie delivers bursts of entertainment but struggles to fully realize its promising premise.
With an intriguing setup, impressive practical effects, and Grillo’s action-star charisma, Werewolves has enough to please fans of the genre. However, uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of narrative depth hold it back from becoming the next great werewolf flick.
The story begins with an engaging premise: a year after a supermoon triggered a global werewolf outbreak, humanity braces for its return. Governments have scrambled to create preventive measures like “moon screen,” a spray-on chemical designed to shield people from the moonlight’s transformative effects.
Frank Grillo stars as Wesley, a CDC scientist and action hero tasked with testing this experimental solution alongside Dr. Amy Chen (Katrina Law) and Dr. Aranda (Lou Diamond Phillips). The movie quickly descends into chaos as the experiment fails, unleashing a wave of bloodthirsty beasts and forcing Wesley to fight his way back to his family, who are also under siege. While the setup is thrilling, the film doesn’t take full advantage of its expansive world. The societal implications of the supermoon and its impact on humanity are only lightly explored, leaving audiences wanting more from such a unique concept.
Grillo anchors the film with his signature blend of rugged toughness and emotional weight. As Wesley, he’s a determined protector and fighter, balancing moments of vulnerability with explosive action. His dynamic with Katrina Law’s Amy brings a steadying presence, but the script doesn’t allow much room for deeper character development.
Supporting characters like Wesley’s sister-in-law Lucy (Ifenesh Hadera) and niece Emma (Kamdynn Gary) are serviceable but don’t leave a lasting impression. The film teases intriguing subplots, such as Amy’s connection to a werewolf, but these threads are left frustratingly unresolved.
One of Werewolves’ strengths lies in its commitment to practical effects. The werewolves are portrayed through a mix of in-camera suits and CGI transformations, lending a tactile realism to the carnage. While some designs veer into campy territory—like the “punk rock” werewolf with a nose ring—the creatures remain visually engaging.
The action sequences are gory and energetic, with severed limbs and werewolf carnage aplenty. However, the overuse of lens flares and an inconsistent visual style occasionally detract from the film’s immersive potential.
The film’s most glaring weakness is its failure to fully explore the fascinating world it establishes. The concept of a supermoon creating mass werewolf transformations is ripe for social commentary, but the movie largely avoids deeper exploration of its implications. Questions about societal divisions, survival strategies, or those who embrace the transformation are only hinted at, leaving much of the potential untapped.
Werewolves is a solid B-movie romp that provides moments of entertainment but falls short of its full potential. Fans of practical effects and werewolf mayhem will find plenty to enjoy, and Frank Grillo’s performance carries much of the film’s weight. However, its underdeveloped characters, limited scope, and lack of narrative depth make it feel more like a missed opportunity than a genre standout.
For those craving blood-soaked action and a dose of lunar chaos, Werewolves offers just enough thrills to satisfy. But as the supermoon fades, so too does the film’s lasting impact.
3/5 stars
