Welcome to the Monster Cinematic Universe!
The Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation captures the essence of classic old-school monster movies all while having a modern take. Not only is Werewolf by Night the latest installment by Marvel Studios, but it’s also the latest on the MCU timeline. The tv film directed and composed by Michael Giacchino further opens the door to the supernatural side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Studios takes a different approach to storytelling and visual effects that becomes a thrilling experience for viewers. Written by Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron, the special presentation is almost perfect and will have fans coming back every October and spooky season.
The Werewolf by Night story begins with narration as if the viewer is being told a scary story over a campfire. The narrator instantly connects the tv film to the Marvel Cinematic Universe answering any questions viewers might have about the connected franchise. The stage is then set for an independent story to be told. The plot develops and viewers are introduced to new characters that quickly become fan favorites.
Werewolf by Night is the MCU introduction to Jack Russell aka the Werewolf played by Gael García Bernal. It is also the MCU introduction to Elsa Bloodstone played by Laura Donnelly. Elsa’s backstory and origin are stated throughout the short film without giving too many details while Jack’s is left for interpretation through context and conversation. Both characters are great adaptions to their comicbook counterparts and display many accuracies. The actor and actress both display a wide range and performance leaving fans wanting more.
The antagonist of the short film is Elsa Bloodstone’s stepmother Verussa Bloodstone played by Harriet Sandom Harris, a brand new character created for the MCU. After Elsa’s father Ulysses Bloodstone voiced by Richard Dixon passes, Verussa whose in charge of the widowed estate initiates a competition to hunt a monster. Whoever wins will obtain the Bloodstone and become the leader of the monster hunter guild. Verussa is immediately shown to have animosity towards Elsa which eventually leads to portrayal as the story progresses.
The monster that the hunters are on the hunt for is none other than Man-Thing or better known as Ted in the tv film. Verussa embedded the Bloodstone into Man-Thing making him angry and putting him in a maze for the hunters to hunt. Man-Thing is known as Dr. Theodore Sallis in the comics and the short film is a much better adaptation of the character than the 2005 film. Practical effects were used in the special presentation as set photos have been released showcasing a Man-Thing puppet. The mixture of practical effects and CGI brought Man-Thing, other creatures, and all of the visuals to life.
A Visual Masterpiece
The visual effects of Werewolf by Night are what stands out immediately for viewers. The first thing on the screen is a transition of the Marvel Studios opening sequence transitioning into a black and white tone, almost similar to the first episode of WandaVision. The black and white visuals allow the Disney+ production to display more blood, gore, and overall violence under the TV-14 rating than previously seen before. The costume and makeup department does a supernatural job in all character designs and costume development bringing the characters to life. This special presentation is a visual masterpiece!
The horror fantasy is a perfect adaption to the comics and the characters that they portray, as well as a modern take on a classic horror story. It is a great introduction to new characters and a darker, more monstrous side of the MCU. The overall production of Werewolf by Night could not be better, if only it was a tad longer. The special presentation is just as it’s stated, special.
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