After a preview screening of Leigh Whannell’sWolf Man, a re-imagining of the classicwerewolfmonster, critics have started posting early reactions (though not full reviews).

These advanced screenings aren’t in exchange for goodreviews. If a critic didn’t like what they saw, most would be honest about that. That bodes well forWolf Man, because the responses were impressive.Horrorfans should be excited forJanuary 17.

A man and woman look at each other, seriously

Peter Grey, The AU Review: 2025 is off to a great start with#WolfManMovie. Leigh Whannell trims all the fat and lays out a tense, no nonsense thriller that wraps its animistic telling in a story about relationship dynamics, loss and generational trauma. Pristine sound design and organic scares all round.

Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky: Wolf Man is not just terrifying, it packs an emotional punch. I found myself jumping out of my skin and then shedding tears. The acting is top notch and the cinematography is insane. The way the camera switches POVs provides a masterclass in horror. I loved it!#WolfManMovie

A collage that has a Mummy and a woman from Evil Dead Rises

Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue:#WolfManwill leave you afraid of the dark! Watched this movie with my feet up on the air because I was terrified of what could grab my ankles. Just a suspenseful thrill from start to finish. Christopher Abbott is a star and I love him so much!

Hunter Bolding, ThatHashtagShow: Wolf Man is everything that I wanted and then some. A truly excellent horror film that gives you body horror, familial horror, and some gruesome effects. The entire cast is excellent, but Christopher Abbott takes it up to another level as a classic “character”.@WolfManMovie25

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You Should WatchThe Invisible Man

A few years back, Universal wanted to turn their slate of iconic monsters into anMCU-like franchise. They started their bold strategy with 2017’sThe Mummy, starringTom Cruisein what’s a pretty over-the-top blockbuster that would kick off the Dark Universe.

The Mummy: Reboot Promises To Be “Very Frightening” According to Director Lee Cronin

A new horror movie based on a mummy is on the way, and has nothing to do with Tom Cruise or Brendan Fraser.

It didn’t go well. Neither critics nor audiences were particularly impressed. And while a box office of $410 million sounds good, the budget was close to $200 million. Universal saw the writing on the wall, so they canceled the whole shared universe. Instead, they opted to go the opposite way and make stand-alone, mid-budget pictures.

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The first project of the new strategy?The Invisible Man(2020), written and directed by Lee Whannell. I actually saw it in theaters twice because I was so impressed. I went in expecting something okay-to-bad, butInvisible Manended up being my favorite movie in 2020. It was sharp, fresh, meaningful, and compelling. I think it’s one of the best horror movies of the last decade. Elizabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen all give striking performances.

The budget was a paltry $7 million, but the box office return was $144.5M.Invisible Manhas a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of 88%. It’s a great movie that feels like it’s flown a bit under the radar. That’s why I recommend it to everyone.

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When people sayWolf Manis good, I’m inclined to believe them.