Wolfen

Adapted from the Whitley Strieber novel and directed by Michael Wadleigh, 1981's Wolfen is not a werewolf movie by strict definition, but it does delve into Native American lore involving shapeshifters and ancient animal spirits, as well as urban legends of wolves who hunt in the cities. Set in New York City during an era of urban renewal and radical American terrorists, the film begins with the bloody murders of a millionaire politician/developer and his wife. The authorities think that a terrorist organization is responsible but the investigation led by an unconventional homicide detective (Albert Finney) reveals a string of otherwise unrelated deaths sharing similar details, along with evidence that wolves are somehow involved—even though they are extinct in New York. Wadleigh uses evocative Steadicam POV shots of the wolves moving through the city, sensing the world through heat signature and scent (eerily similar to the video surveillance technology used by the FBI here). Diane Venora and Gregory Hines make their respective feature film debuts as fellow investigators, while Edward James Olmos is memorable as a Native American activist who guides Finney through the lore of his people. Overall, Wolfen is a smart entry in the man-versus-nature horror genre, featuring striking imagery, an evocative atmosphere, genuinely suspenseful thrills, and political, social, and cultural dimensions that are rarely seen in this kind of film. Bowing on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)