After Nosferatu, There Are Two Things I Hope Robert Eggers Does With His Werewolf Movie (And One Thing I Hope He Doesn’t Do)

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Currently, werewolf movies are gaining popularity. Last year saw the release of “Werewolves” starring Frank Grillo, while Leigh Whannel’s “The Wolf Man” has been scheduled for 2025. It seems this subgenre is experiencing a resurgence. Renowned horror director Robert Eggers, who previously found success with “Nosferatu”, is now venturing into the world of lycanthropy. Working again with Focus Features, he’s creating “Werwulf”, a 13th-century horror film set to hit screens soon. I’m excited for this new take on this classic monster. However, there are certain aspects I hope he includes and others I hope he steers clear of in his upcoming horror production.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film “Werwulf” is set to plunge viewers into medieval England, using dialogue authentic to the era and the intense, raw atmosphere fans have grown accustomed to from the director of “The Witch.” Co-written with Sjón, who also worked on “The Northman,” this movie aims to whisk audiences away to another grim, costumed, and violent historical era. Although specifics are yet to be revealed, one thing is certain: Robert Eggers’ unique style will make this werewolf tale a notable exception in a genre that frequently lacks substance.

Regarding that point, let me express my expectations for Robert Eggers’ upcoming work: things I would like him to emphasize and aspects I hope he steers clear of.

What Robert Eggers Should Do With The Werewolf Film

Initially, it would be prudent for Eggers to further emphasize historical accuracy. This director, with a background in set design, has made a name for himself by immersing viewers into distinct timeframes, such as 17th-century New England in “The Witch” or 19th-century maritime seclusion in “The Lighthouse”. His meticulousness, extending to dialogue that reflects the era, lends an authenticity to his stories that is rarely matched among filmmakers. This was similarly true for “Nosferatu”.

In the context of Werwulf, the medieval era presents an abundance of opportunities to delve into a time when superstition held sway. This period, particularly the 13th century, was marked by profound religious zeal, widespread dread of the unknown, and harsh living conditions. The director can leverage authentic elements such as witch trials, pagan customs, and the initial conflict between science and superstition to establish a vivid setting for the werewolf narrative. Visualize a community plagued not only by the beast itself but also by the fear, suspicion, and accusations it stirs up.

I’m expecting Robert Eggers to ground the werewolf legend in folklore as well. Over centuries, werewolves have been a significant part of mythology, and Eggers seems to be the ideal director to delve into the darker, less-explored corners of their folklore. In medieval Europe, lycanthropy was often linked with curses, divine retribution, or even carnal sins—themes that Eggers could effortlessly incorporate into his storytelling.

Rather than merely telling a traditional werewolf tale, he might explore the deep emotional and mystical aspects that come with transforming into a werewolf.

What Should Robert Eggers Needs To Avoid

It’s crucial to ensure that the creator of horror movies avoids making the characters seem too detached or unidentifiable with. Eggers is exceptional at constructing tense environments and intricately designed realms, but some of his characters have been criticized for appearing emotionally detached (as in The Witch and Nosferatu, for instance). In a werewolf tale, however, it’s the character’s relatability that matters most.

Top-notch horror productions, particularly outstanding werewolf films and series such as “The Wolf Man” or “An American Werewolf in London,” resonate strongly because viewers empathize with the protagonist’s suffering, fear, and sorrow as they navigate their transformation. To make “Werwulf” successful, it needs a powerful emotional foundation—a character whose inner turmoil echoes the external tumult caused by the werewolf affliction. If this emotional bond isn’t established, the narrative could feel too impersonal and remote, even with the renowned director of “The Lighthouse” at the helm.

Robert Eggers consistently demonstrates his ability to create chilling, immersive narratives that stay with you even after the ending. With the upcoming movie “Werwulf“, he has a chance to reshape this genre by blending historical accuracy, rich folklore, and emotionally impactful storytelling. Here’s wishing that these elements will be effectively incorporated in the film.

Slated for a Christmas 2026 premiere, the movie titled “Werwulf” might be one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. If the director manages to achieve a harmonious blend of atmosphere and human emotion, his werewolf-themed chiller could rank alongside his earlier work as a contemporary horror classic.

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2025-01-27 17:37