Common Sense Media Review
By Gonzalo Jimenez
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
MCU horror special has bloody violence, solid scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Werewolf by Night
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the horror special is visually impressive and features significant bloodshed, making it suitable for older teens rather than young children. While some found it dull, many others praised it for its entertainment value, unique black-and-white style, and homage to classic horror, highlighting that it diverges from typical superhero content.
- visual violence
- entertaining experience
- black-and-white style
- homage to horror
- not for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on a 1972 comic, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT is Marvel Studios' first official foray into the horror genre. The hero, Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal), attends a mysterious ceremony at the Bloodstone Temple one night, in which a group of monster hunters will compete to defeat a dangerous creature in a labyrinth. Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly), legitimate heir to the relic, also participates in the competition. The winner will get a powerful relic and become the leader of the hunters. But Jack has other plans.
Is It Any Good?
Unlike other Marvel series on Disney+, which seem to be just extensions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this unique story feels like a breath of fresh air. Werewolf by Night's sole purpose is to give fans a good scare during the Halloween season. It's filmed in black and white on studio sets, as a tribute to the classic horror films of the 1930s and 1940s. It should be noted that the story includes frightening monsters, plenty of suspense sequences, and graphic violence, which can be shocking for young children. The music by Michael Giacchino (who also makes his directorial debut with this film) is wonderful, as is the performance of Mexican actor Gael García Bernal, who gives his character fragility and an air of mystery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how violence is used in this special. Does the fact that it's filmed in black and white make it less shocking or frightening?
Why do you think this is filmed in black and white? Did you know that it's an homage to classic horror movies, like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman? Have you seen any of them? Do you think they're scary?
Are the two monsters that appear in the movie good friends with each other? What do you think of characters that have a good and loyal side and, at the same time, can transform into monsters and terrify people?
Is Jack Russell a role model? Why, or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 7, 2022
- Cast : Gael Garcia Bernal , Laura Donnelly , Leonardo Nam
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Fantasy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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