Wolfen (1981) Story: A New York cop investigates a series of brutal deaths that resemble animal attacks. The film lacks a little something to make it truly perfect. What’s more, there are quite a few long stretches. But the actors are fabulous, especially the trio of Albert Finney, Diane Venora and Gregory Hines. And the real wolves used in this movie are quite incredible.

When a Thriller ends with science fiction, for me, the film is ruined. Examples: “Memories Erased/The Forgotten (2004)”, “10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)” and “In the Shadow of the Moon (2020 on Netflix)”. All three have wasted their potential, despite their good actors and actresses. On the other hand, when you know there’s going to be horror, fantasy or science fiction, but it starts out as a crime thriller… then it’s a treat.

Like The Fly/la Mouche Noire (1958), it’s a film that starts out as a police investigation before moving into the unreal. The dialogue is incredible. And they haven’t really aged. Still relevant today.

Michael Wadleigh is a director who has also made a documentary about Woodstock. That year, 1981, saw the rather bad The Howling/Hurlements and the excellent An American Werewolf in London. Decidedly, it was a year full of wolves. Who, according to this film, were slaughtered in the same way as the American Indians and the buffalo.

Forty three years have passed since its release. The film is more mystical than horrific. For hardcore fans, there’s not enough blood and action. Wolfen leaves questions unanswered at the end: was it real or imaginary? Are they real or are they spiritual beings? The Native Americans probably know more than they’re saying. One of the most brilliant films of its time. Little known (in Europe). It’s also an eco-thriller… so you could call it eco-horror! A must-see at least once!

My Rating

Rating: 4 out of 5.