Werewolf by Night (2022)

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new Marvel TV special from Disney+. I’m always in favor of seeing Gael García Bernal in things, and from the trailers, it looked like they nailed the classic monster movie vibe. I wondered if it was going to be an in-universe movie in the MCU, like it was actually just a super elaborate way of announcing that Bernal was really going to be playing Wonder Man. Now that it’s out, I’m still not 100% sure what it is, but I know that I love it!

After the death of Ulysses Bloodstone, a disparate group of elite monster hunters are called to his mansion to engage in a deadly contest. The prize? The Bloodstone itself, a powerful relic that its owner can use to weaken or control monsters. Among the group are Jack Russell, a mysterious hunter with his own agenda, and Elsa Bloodstone, the late Ulysses’ estranged daughter. With a monster loose on the grounds and an every-man-for-himself contest underway, secrets will be revealed and blood will be spilled before the night is out.

The hour-long special is directed by Michael Giacchino, who’s best known as a composer. He does double-duty here and it serves him well. Classic monster movies are all about atmosphere, and music is a critical part of the that—right from the start, Giacchino’s minor take on the Marvel opening theme sets the tone, and the evocative score keeps the stakes high throughout. It’s also shot in black-and-white, making liberal use of stark shadows, and once the titular werewolf makes their appearance, the practical effects are obvious but effective.

If Werewolf by Night were simply that, a detailed homage to the old Universal horror films, I would’ve enjoyed it just fine. But as the special went on—particularly as we got to know Jack and Elsa—I realized that it really is a proper MCU story as well. There’s mystery, action, and blood (a lot of blood,) along with humor, heart, and engaging character moments.

That’s what it’s really about for me. Seeing who Jack is in contrast to how he presents himself to the hunters is great to watch, and his interactions with Elsa and another character just get better and better. Meanwhile, Elsa seems very straightforward at first, the prodigal daughter who returns home to discover that her birthright is now up for grabs. But there’s some mystery about her too, and it takes a little time to really know what she’s about and what she’s capable of.

I was excited to see Gael García Bernal in the MCU, and he’s simply fabulous. Jack is a constant surprise, and I love seeing where the special takes him. (Side note: Diego Luna might star in his own Star Wars show, but Bernal has now appeared in both Pixar and Marvel properties—who’s going to make the Disney next move?) His warmth and down-to-earth nature pairs well with Laura Donnelly’s Elsa, who’s brusque and guarded but more than she seems. There’s one scene between them that’s so good, just a few lines from it were enough to make me want a full Werewolf by Night movie. Harriet Sansom Harris is also very effective—equal parts imperious and creepy—as Ulysses’ widow.

I don’t know what sort of plans Marvel might have for Jack, Elsa, et al. I’ve heard speculation about a possible Midnight Sons film/series, which I’d be all for, given my well-documented love of Moon Knight. But I definitely hope we see these characters again. They’re too good to be confined to a one-and-done hour-long special!

Warnings

Strong violence, language, a little drinking, and thematic elements.