Watch Wolves

Wolves is a 2014 coming-of-age thriller directed by David Hayter, who is best known for his work as a screenwriter for superhero movies such as X-Men, X-Men 2, and Watchmen. The movie stars Lucas Till, Stephen McHattie, and John Pyper-Ferguson in leading roles. The movie tells the story of Cayden Richards (Lucas Till), a high school football star who seems to have everything going for him. However, Cayden feels alienated from his family and friends due to a recurring nightmare that haunts him. One night, after an altercation with his father, Cayden loses control and transforms into a werewolf. Fearing for his safety and that of those around him, Cayden sets out on a journey to find his true identity and place in the world.

Along the way, Cayden meets Wild Joe (John Pyper-Ferguson), a mysterious werewolf who helps him unravel the truth behind his transformation. They travel together to Lupine Ridge, a remote town where werewolves coexist with humans in secrecy. Here, Cayden discovers his true origins and his connection to the town's ruling werewolf family, led by Connor (Jason Momoa).

As Cayden tries to make sense of his newfound identity, he becomes embroiled in a power struggle between Connor and his rebellious son, Michael (Stephen McHattie). With the help of Angelina (Merritt Patterson), the daughter of the town's doctor, Cayden tries to bring peace to the troubled town and find a way to control his werewolf side.

Wolves is an interesting mix of genres, blending horror, action, and drama elements into a compelling and entertaining story. Director David Hayter brings his expertise in comic book storytelling to the werewolf mythology, creating a world that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time. The movie's pacing is brisk, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the audience engaged throughout.

The movie benefits from strong performances by its cast, especially Lucas Till, who delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young man struggling with his identity. John Pyper-Ferguson steals every scene he's in as Wild Joe, bringing a wild and unpredictable energy to the story. Jason Momoa is also impressive as the imposing and charismatic Connor, while Stephen McHattie brings his trademark intensity to the role of Michael.

The werewolf mythology in Wolves is well-conceived, with some interesting twists added to the lore. For example, werewolves in the movie can only transform under the full moon, but they can also control their transformation to some extent. Additionally, the werewolf hierarchy in Lupine Ridge is a fascinating concept, with the ruling family being fiercely protective of their status and power.

The movie's visuals are also noteworthy, with some impressive practical effects and cinematography. The transformation sequences are particularly well done, with the werewolves looking suitably terrifying and ferocious.

One of the movie's strengths is its exploration of identity and belonging. Cayden's journey is both a physical and emotional one, as he tries to find a place where he belongs and a purpose for his existence. The town of Lupine Ridge serves as an allegory for any community that doesn't accept those who are different, and Cayden's struggle to be accepted has resonance beyond the werewolf mythology.

Overall, Wolves is a well-crafted and entertaining movie that blends genres and delivers some impressive thrills. Director David Hayter and his cast and crew breathe new life into the werewolf trope, creating a story that is both exciting and emotionally satisfying. Whether you're a fan of horror, action, or drama, there's something in Wolves for everyone.

Wolves is a 2014 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3 and a MetaScore of 37.