Movie Review: "The Wolf Hour"

Naomi Watts stars in "The Wolf Hour" as June Leigh, a self-banished recluse living in 1977 South Bronx. Directed by Alistair Banks Griffin, this psychological thriller relies heavily on Watts' performance to carry its grim and claustrophobic story.

Plot Overview

June, once a celebrated writer, has locked herself away in her grandmother’s apartment after her successful book caused a family scandal. She's haunted by fear and guilt, refusing to leave her messy, book-filled apartment. The setting is the sweltering summer of 1977, a time when the Son of Sam killer is on the loose, and the infamous New York City blackout is imminent.

Setting and Atmosphere

The movie does a great job of capturing the era with its production design. June's apartment is a cluttered, dusty space that feels lived-in and real. You can almost feel the heat and hear the constant police sirens outside. The Twin Towers are visible from her window, grounding the story in its historical context.

Supporting Characters

Every now and then, other characters appear to break the monotony. Jennifer Ehle plays June's supportive sister, Kelvin Harrison Jr. is a delivery guy with ulterior motives, and Emory Cohen is a mysterious man who adds to the tension. These characters help keep the story moving when it risks becoming too slow.

Climactic Moments

The most intense part of the movie comes during the blackout. The city descends into chaos, and the cinematography captures the darkness and flickering lights with gritty realism. This sequence is the highlight of the film, bringing a sense of urgency and danger.

Overall Impressions

While Naomi Watts delivers a powerful performance, "The Wolf Hour" struggles to maintain momentum. The story feels confined and doesn't explore its intriguing ideas fully. It's a slow burn that doesn’t quite reach a satisfying conclusion. In the end, the film feels more like an exercise in atmosphere and character study than a fully realized thriller.

If you're a fan of Naomi Watts and enjoy slow, character-driven dramas, "The Wolf Hour" might be worth a watch. However, if you're looking for something with more action and a stronger narrative, this film might leave you wanting more.