Universal Pictures, having previously abandoned the concept of creating a cohesive universe for its classic monsters after the poor reception of 2017’s The Mummy, has instead adopted a reimagining approach that proved successful with the 2020 release of The Invisible Man. This film, crafted by Leigh Whannell, skillfully intertwined the theme of invisibility with contemporary issues such as gaslighting and abusive relationships.

Now returning to the fray, Whannell tackles yet another Universal monster: the Wolf Man. This new adaptation reinterprets the iconic 1941 horror tale, providing a modern twist on the werewolf mythos. Christopher Abbott stars as Blake, whose seemingly ordinary life spirals into darkness following a terrifying encounter in the rural landscapes of Oregon. The narrative delves into themes of identity, fear, and enigma, further featuring Julia Garner as his wife Charlotte and Matilda Firth as their daughter Ginger. This enthralling story promises an intricate blend of horror alongside compelling family dynamics.

Whannell, known for his innovative storytelling seen in The Invisible Man, brings his unique vision to Wolf Man, presenting classic monsters in a genuinely terrifying context. Early reviews have praised the film’s immersive atmosphere and impressive practical effects, particularly during Blake’s harrowing transformation. However, some critics have noted a tonal shift occurring midway through the film.

Fans of the horror genre and traditional monster reboots can expect Wolf Man to offer a fascinating combination of classic scares intertwined with modern narrative elements. By merging raw human vulnerability with intense horror, this film is positioned as a noteworthy addition to the genre.

Slated for theatrical release on January 17, 2025, Wolf Man invites audiences to experience its chilling horror on the big screen. Following its exclusive theatrical run, the film is expected to stream on Peacock approximately 45 to 70 days later, potentially between March and April 2025. Viewers seeking to watch the film at launch must do so in theatres, as it is not currently available on any streaming platforms.

In the plot set thirty years later, Blake, now a city writer, is seen living with his journalist wife Charlotte and their daughter, Ginger. Charlotte grapples with the pressures of her demanding job, fearing it affects her ability to be a good mother, while Blake engages actively in parenting—activities depicted as endearing but somewhat overdone. After discovering that his estranged father has been declared deceased, Blake decides to take his family to their inherited farm for a weekend of bonding.

The film presents itself as a full-body horror experience, with numerous unsettling moments sure to satisfy aficionados of the subgenre. It features abundant jump scares and tense scenes, including a haunting visual transition from a human perspective to that of the Wolf Man.

John Abraham has unveiled the first look of his upcoming political drama, The Diplomat. The poster showcases him in a stylish dark suit, presenting a serious expression that reflects his role as a high-ranking government official. The film is inspired by a real-life incident that had a profound impact on the nation.

John took to social media to share the poster, accompanied by the caption, “Honored to bring this story of courage and diplomacy to life. See you in theatres on March 7th!” The film is being produced by an impressive array of companies, including T-Series (led by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar), JA Entertainment (founded by John Abraham), alongside Wakaoo Films and Fortune Pictures.

The Diplomat draws inspiration from a real-life story that had a profound impact on the nation, offering a captivating narrative centered around themes of power and patriotism. As he portrays a high-ranking government official, John will lead audiences through a thrilling journey brimming with intense drama and adrenaline-pumping moments.

In his recent projects, John was last featured in Vedaa, where he played the title character in an action drama directed by Nikkhil Advani and written by Aseem Arora. This film, which is based on true events, highlights the story of a young woman fighting against a repressive system, featuring a supporting cast that includes Sharvari, Abhishek Banerjee, and Ashish Vidyarthi.

In addition to The Diplomat, John also has Tehran in the works, directed by Arun Gopalan, where he will star alongside Manushi Chhillar in a geo-political narrative. The Diplomat is directed by the renowned Shivam Nair and penned by Ritesh Shah, promising to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.

“Azaad,” a film that hit the theatre today, serves as the debut platform for Rasha Thadani, daughter of actor Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani, alongside Aaman Devgan, the nephew of Ajay Devgn.

The story begins with Govind (Aaman) captivated by the dacoit Vikram Singh’s (Ajay Devgn) majestic black horse, Azaad, who is fiercely loyal to its owner. Amid this, Govind encounters Janaki (Rasha), the daughter of the landlord Rai Bahadur (Piyush Mishra). A parallel storyline features Tej Bahadur (Mohit Malik), Janaki’s brother, and Kesar (Diana Penty). The convergence of their lives unfolds against the backdrop of pre-Independence India.

As the film progresses, “Azaad” feels excessively self-indulgent, particularly in its pacing and musical interludes. It appears that director Abhishek Kapoor, known for offering a compelling debut for Sara Ali Khan in “Kedarnath,” began filming and neglected to expedite the narrative. By the time the movie reaches its conclusion, viewers may feel a sense of time stretching.

The screenplay is credited to Ritesh Shah, Suresh Nair, and Kapoor himself, leading to the question of how three individuals could arrive at this outcome. The editing by Chandan Arora also raises eyebrows—what exactly was refined?

Throughout the film, Azaad, the horse, manages to resonate emotionally with the audience. The sequences showcasing him highlight captivating on-screen performances, and he, unexpectedly, seems to steal the spotlight without uttering a single word. While Kapoor’s direction shines in certain moments involving the horse, these instances are regrettably limited.

Regarding their debut performances, both Rasha and Aaman exhibit raw talent, indicating room for improvement. Rasha, at just 19, displays a commendable screen presence but should focus on enhancing her emotional portrayals. Aaman shows promise in dance and action but could benefit from further honing his acting skills.

Mohit Malik, transitioning from television to film with “Azaad,” aligns well with his role, while Diana Penty’s subplot feels superficial. Ajay Devgn appears to have shot his scenes in a manner reminiscent of his work in SS Rajamouli’s “RRR,” suggesting an overlap in filming schedules.

With high hopes for the music, given Amit Trivedi’s involvement, the soundtrack disappoints overall. Aside from “Uui Amma,” which gained viral attention and elicited mixed responses, the remaining musical aspects fall short, which is disheartening.

In summary, “Azaad” fails to present anything fresh, primarily showcasing two new actors. The film suffers from a slow and loose screenplay, saturated with clichés, and it lacks the vitality one would expect from a story centered around a horse.