Werewolves have been a staple of horror for centuries, but with the forthcoming release of Leigh Whannell’s (The Invisible Man, Upgrade, Insidious: Chapter 3) Wolf Man, the myth of the lycanthrope is poised to captivate a new generation of moviegoers.
Directed by Whannell, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Corbett Tuck, Lauren Schuker Blum & Rebecca Angelo (Dumb Money), the film stars Golden Globe nominee Christopher Abbott (Poor Things, Possessor), Emmy winner Julia Garner (“Ozark”, Martha Macy May Marlene), and Matilda Firth (“Hullraisers”, Subservience)
Abbott portrays Blake, a San Francisco husband and father, who inherits his remote childhood home in rural Oregon following the disappearance and presumed demise of his own father. In the light of an increasingly strained marriage to Charlotte (Garner), Blake convinces his wife to take a retreat from the city and visit the property with their young daughter, Ginger (Firth).
However, on reaching the farmhouse in the dead of night, the family is attacked by an unseen animal. Desperate to escape, they barricade themselves inside the home while the creature prowls the perimeter. As the night progresses, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognisable, leaving Charlotte between a rock and a hard place, asking herself whether the terror within these walls is more deadly than the danger lurking outside.
The film co-stars Sam Jaeger (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Ben Prendergast (“The Sojourn Audio Drama”) and Benedict Hardie (The Invisible Man, Upgrade).
If you’re excited to witness the terrifying transformation on the big screen, why not immerse yourself in some great werewolf literature beforehand? From tragic coming-of-age tales to dark and brutal explorations of the human psyche, these five werewolf novels offer a variety of approaches to the beastly transformation, each offering its own unique twist on lycanthropy.
Whether you’re looking for something thrilling, eerie, or thought-provoking, these books are guaranteed to have you howling with anticipation.
What it’s about: People have tormented Brandon his entire life. Maybe it’s his shabby clothes. Maybe it’s the bruises on his arms or the haunted look in his eyes. Or maybe it’s some essential, unexplainable difference deep inside. Not quite white, not quite Indian, and soon now…not quite human. Brandon is about to walk a dark country road and discover a hunger he never imagined. And find out he likes it.
Why it’s worth rooting out: Troy Tradup‘s novel stands apart by blending lycanthropy with themes of identity and internal conflict. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the narrative expertly navigates the protagonist’s struggle with his new, monstrous side while also capturing the struggles of growing up and reconciling with one’s identity.
What it’s about: He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his Aunt Libby and Uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixedblood, neither this nor that. The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his aunt and uncle, or if he fits with the people on the other side of the tracks.
For ten years, he and his family have lived a life of late-night exits and close calls—always on the move across the South to stay one step ahead of the law. But the time is drawing near when Darren and Libby will know if their nephew is like them or not. And the close calls they’ve been running from for so long are catching up fast, now. Everything is about to change.
Why it’s worth rooting out: Stephen Graham Jones injects fresh energy into the werewolf mythos with humor, raw emotion, and a biting commentary on family, heritage, and alienation. Mongrels is a beautifully told, bittersweet story of survival and self-acceptance that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
What it’s about: Rory Morris isn’t thrilled to be moving back to her hometown, even if it is temporary. There are bad memories there. But her twin sister, Scarlett, is pregnant, estranged from the baby’s father, and needs support, so Rory returns to the place she thought she’d put in her rearview. After a night out at a bar where she runs into an old almost-flame, she hits a large animal with her car. And when she gets out to investigate, she’s attacked. Rory survives, miraculously, but life begins to look and feel different. She’s unnaturally strong, with an aversion to silver–and suddenly the moon has her in its thrall. She’s changing into someone else–something else, maybe even a monster. But does that mean she’s putting those close to her in danger? Or is embracing the wildness inside of her the key to acceptance?
Why it’s worth rooting out: This novel is a deft blend of horror, humor, and heart. Harrison’s portrayal of body horror combined with the exploration of trauma and personal change makes “Such Sharp Teeth” an unforgettable read. Rachel Harrison provides not only fierce and thrilling moments but also nuanced reflections on the challenges of identity and healing.
What it’s about: When Lumen Fowler looks back on her childhood, she wouldn’t have guessed she would become a kind suburban wife, a devoted mother. In fact, she never thought she would escape her small and peculiar hometown. When We Were Animals is Lumen’s confessional: as a well-behaved and over-achieving teenager, she fell beneath the sway of her community’s darkest, strangest secret. For one year, beginning at puberty, every resident “breaches” during the full moon. On these nights, adolescents run wild, destroying everything in their path.…
Why it’s worth rooting out: Joshua Gaylord’s narrative is a haunting exploration of rebellion and the loss of innocence. Combining elements of horror with psychological depth, When We Were Animals paints a vivid picture of how societal pressures and primal urges collide, making for a captivating and thought-provoking coming-of-age story.
What it’s about: The first scream came from the snowbound railwayman who felt the fangs ripping at his throat. The next month there was a scream of ecstatic agony from the woman attacked in her snug bedroom.
Now scenes of unbelieving horror come each time the full moon shines on the isolated Maine town of Tarker Mills. No one knows who will be attacked next. But one thing is sure: When the moon grows fat, a paralyzing fear sweeps through Tarker Mills. For snarls that sound like human words can be heard whining through the wind. And all around are the footprints of a monster whose hunger cannot be sated…
Why it’s worth rooting out: Stephen King’s signature style shines in this novella, which offers suspense, horror, and a dose of the macabre. King’s atmospheric writing builds tension with each passing attack, making Cycle of the Werewolf a quick but haunting read that highlights the terrifying unpredictability of lycanthropy.
As the excitement for Whannell’s Wolf Man continues to build, these five werewolf novels provide an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into the mythology and explore new, exciting takes on the legendary creature. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological depth, eerie suspense, or gripping horror, these books will more than satisfy your cravings for monstrous transformations and the internal conflicts they bring. So before (or after) you witness the next silver-screen werewolf this Friday, January 17, make sure to howl your way through these must-read novels.
