At every minute its closing up behind you.

That early juxtaposition seems to signalLeigh Whannells intentions for theBlumhouseupdate ofWolf Man.

The attack leaves Blake wounded and acting strangely toward his wife and daughter.

Christopher Abbott in The Wolf Man

For some viewers, the emphasis on tragedy will disappoint.

Although Whannell proves as adept as ever with blocking and composition, tension comes second to character work.

Moreover, the focus on family drama groundsWolf Manin the classic Universal tradition.

We understand that Blake may prove his father correct.

Wolf Man opens in theaters on Friday, Jan. 17.

Rating:

4 out of 5