Wolf Man is one of those movies where it’s clear that the trailer gives it all away. It will make you wonder if the R-rating is understandable or needed.
Yes, Wolf Man is everything that you would expect from the trailer. A family is attacked by a strange animal, and the father, Blake, ends up infected by it. He turns into a werewolf, and the rest of the family needs to escape him while avoiding the animal outside if they want to live.
If you’ve seen the likes of Ginger Snaps or An American Werewolf in London, then you’ll have an idea of what to expect. Does it really earn the R-rating that it’s been given, though? I’m on the side of no for this one.
Wolf Man age rating: Explaining the R-rating
While the United States gives this movie an R-rating, here in Canada, it’s only a 14A. In other parts of the world, the age rating is anywhere between a 13 and a 16. Very few don’t think that older teenagers can watch this.
Sex & nudity: There is none of either of these. This movie is focused solely on the horror of the werewolf.
Violence & gore: This is likely where it earns the R-rating in the United States, but I think the rating is more due to the U.S. not having something between PG-13 and R. There is a point where a man chews at his own arm and leg. There is some self-harm depicted, and there’s even some cannibalism. It’s a werewolf movie, so I think all of that is pretty much expected.
The worst part is likely a scene where there’s a stomach on show after being eaten. It can be on the graphic side, but the filming is so dark that it’s hard to clearly see a lot.
Language: There are a few F-bombs dropped throughout the movie. This is the worst of the swear words, but there is also the use of “Goddamn,” “Jesus,” and the S-word.
Alcohol & drugs: Some of the adults drink some wine and beer, but nothing in a gratuitous way. The focus is on the werewolf horror.
Overall verdict: Who is Wolf Man appropriate for?
The 14A is probably where I’d put it. The movie does have some graphic content, but it’s not enough to make me question whether teenagers can watch it. Even my pre-teen would be interested in something like this. It’s a gateway into the much scarier horror genre.
It’s going to depend on your child’s personality, though. I know pre-teens who would definitely not be able to watch this movie. I know 16-year-olds who would be too scared of it. Use your judgment, but I do think the R-rating is too much.
Wolf Man is out in theaters now.