The 2010 remake of "The Wolfman" addresses family, identity, and the supernatural. This Joe Johnston recreation appeals to new and old fans with a gothic mood and current special effects.
In "The Wolfman" in the late 19th century, Shakespearean actor Lawrence Talbot returns to Blackmoor, his ancestral estate, after his brother Ben's odd death. Lawrence battles dreadful family secrets and an ancient curse that could engulf him while investigating his brother's death.
The film "The Wolfman" debuted on February 12, 2010. Expectations were high due to the film's star-studded ensemble its 1941 classic status.
The official trailer reveals the film's dark and enigmatic world:
Budget
Projected $150 million "The Wolfman" production budget. The big-budget went to sophisticated set designs, period-accurate costumes, and cutting-edge special effects to bring werewolf transformations to life.
Box Office
The film grossed $142.6 million worldwide, $31.5 million in its opening weekend. The ambitious picture was a box office flop and costly.
Ben Talbot is brutally murdered near Blackmoor in 1891. His fiancée, Gwen Conliffe, begs his estranged brother Lawrence to investigate. After arriving, Lawrence visits his distant father, Sir John Talbot, and investigates Ben's death.
Villagers suspect a Romani camp animal or wild animal. Lawrence is seriously bitten by a wild animal in camp during a full moon. Lawrence has odd visions and heightened senses as he heals swiftly. After discovering he inherited a werewolf curse, he must overcome his basic tendencies and the villagers' fear.
Director Joe Johnston
Lawrence Talbot: Toro
Sir John Talbot: Anthony Hopkins
Gwen Conliffe: Emily Blunt
Inspector Francis Aberline: Hugo Weaving
The excellent cast includes Benicio del Toro as troubled Lawrence Talbot. Anthony Hopkins plays Sir John Talbot, who reveals the family's mystery. Emily Blunt balances authority and tenderness as Gwen Conliffe. Hugo Weaving plays Inspector Aberline, a steadfast cop caught up in bizarre circumstances.
Graphic horror, violence, and gore make the film R-rated. The graphic werewolf attacks and sad plot merit this grade.
Critical Reception
Critics gave "The Wolfman" mixed reviews. According to 223 Rotten Tomatoes reviews, "Suitably grand and special effects-laden, The Wolfman suffers from a suspense-deficient script and a surprising lack of genuine chills." The approval rate is 33%. Metacritic rates it 43/100, indicating "mixed or average reviews."
Roger Ebert rated the film two and a half stars out of four, complimenting its evocative locations and melodramatic grandeur but criticizing the CGI. Rolling Stone's Peter Travers scored the film 1.5 stars, writing, "The Wolfman bites, but not — I think — in the way the filmmakers intended."
Awards
The makeup and visual effects of "The Wolfman" were praised despite divided reviews. The 2010 Saturn Award for Best Makeup. The following year, makeup effects designer Rick Baker and supervisor Dave Elsey won Best Makeup at the 83rd Academy Awards.
Where to Watch
Since February 2025, "The Wolfman" has been streaming on many platforms. The film is available Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Available on iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Regional licensing agreements may affect availability, so check local listings.
Conclusion
"The Wolfman" (2010) revives a horror classic with a stellar cast and production. Despite its mixed reviews, the film is visually beautiful and atmospheric for gothic horror and werewolf fans. Its exploration of identity, family curses, and humanity versus instincts continues to appeal to classic and current cinematic audiences.z