Werewolf films have been a staple in horror cinema for decades, but in the case of Wolfkin, the real terror lies not in the supernatural creatures, but in the struggles between a mother and her son. European director Jacques Molitor takes a classic horror concept and infuses it with modern twists, creating a fantasy-horror hybrid that delivers an intriguing and emotional journey.
The movie begins with an intimate and chilling cold open, where Elaine, the film’s main female lead, encounters a man named Patrick in a forest clearing. Their passionate encounter takes a horrifying turn when Patrick transforms into a wolf, revealing his true nature. This sets the stage for an unpredictable and suspenseful story that unfolds over time.
Fast forward, and we find Elaine with her young son, Martin, who starts displaying peculiar and violent behavior, hinting at his connection to his father’s werewolf lineage. As Martin’s condition worsens, Elaine seeks help from Patrick’s parents, hoping they can provide answers and a solution to her son’s affliction.
Wolfkin transcends the typical werewolf narrative, evolving into a harrowing tale of family dynamics and descent into madness. Actress Louise Manteau delivers a compelling performance as Elaine, a mother struggling to protect her son from his uncontrollable nature. Alongside her are Marco Lorenzini and Marja-Leena Junker, hauntingly portraying the controlling grandparents, and Myriam Muller, who embodies the all-knowing housemaid, Carla. Jules Werner brings intensity to the role of Patrick’s savage brother, Jean, while Yulia Chernyshkova’s character, Tatiana, provides an interesting perspective on the family’s secretive and cult-like dynamics.
However, it is young actor Victor Dieu who steals the show as 10-year-old Martin. Dieu’s portrayal of Martin’s transformation and inner conflict between innocence and ferocity is nothing short of remarkable. His captivating performance gives the film its most compelling aspect, as viewers witness the turmoil of a child forced to grapple with an unnatural and monstrous fate.
Despite its strengths, Wolfkin occasionally falters in its execution. The religious undertones, emphasized by its original title, Kommunioun, add complexity to the narrative but seem to distract from the core themes of the film. The movie’s exploration of abusive relationships and other layered themes could have been better integrated to maintain a tighter focus on the mother-son relationship, which remains the most captivating aspect of the story.
Nevertheless, Wolfkin remains an enjoyable horror adventure, driven by a mother’s unwavering determination to protect her son at any cost. Jacques Molitor’s directorial vision brings together classic horror elements with modern twists, culminating in a suspenseful and emotionally charged ride that leaves viewers pondering the lengths a mother will go to save her child, even when it means inviting chaos into their lives.
In the ever-evolving landscape of horror cinema, Wolfkin manages to carve out its own path, proving that revisiting classic creatures can still offer fresh and engaging storytelling experiences. With strong performances, especially from its young lead, and a unique take on werewolf lore, Wolfkin is a movie that lingers in the minds of its audience long after the credits roll.
