WOLFEN is the third of the big werewolf films of 1981, after AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and THE HOWLING, and yet it gets nowhere near the same level of attention as those two. I'd seen clips of it on TV as a kid but it scared me enough for me to avoid it then, but having just sat through it for the first time I'd rank it behind AMERICAN and way ahead of THE HOWLING. Despite tackling the subject of werewolves, it's much more of a detective thriller than a horror, although there's a lot of tense, spooky atmosphere and some gory attack sequences.

Albert Finney is a boozy cop investigating the slaying of a Dutch millionaire, seemingly at the hands of a wild animal. An effective backdrop of a partially-demolished New York is home to creatures that may or may not be linked to Native American legend, and origin story here is much fresher and more inventive than most hackneyed werewolf films with the old silver bullet tropes. In fact, they're not really the villains at all; this is more of a dissection of colonialism and the casualties in its wake. The cast is very good here - and nice to see Tom Noonan against type as a good guy for once - and the direction and writing complement each other nicely.

The South Bronx had a story of horrors there the year before with "Fort Apache the Bronx". You got to see the abandoned Lots where torn down houses were, and there were still some there the year later when this was made. That seems to be where the mystery lies even though the initial murders are set in Battery Park way downtown, shown slowly through the lense of whatever is doing the killing with a blurry sepia tone camera that moves around creepily, looking like a color film negative. Burnt out detective Albert Finney is set on the case and along with police psychiatrist Diane Venora tries to identity what is committing these hideous killings.

This film is more psychological horror than actual physical horror because you really see more of the action from the creature's eyes van from the victims although there are a few bloody scenes. During his investigation, did he encounters Native American Edward James Olmos indicates that someone can transform themselves into a wolf-like creature just through their own will. So while it is a wolf-like creature, it isn't a werewolf / say like in "The Howling" or "American Werewolf in London", and this sets the three films apart from each other in its entirety.

The New York location footage, even in that odd negative look, is quite unique and nostalgic, and you get to see New York in quite a different light then just too touristy places. Yes, it does take us into Central Park, and you do got shots of downtown and the World Trade Center, but utilizing what was going on in the Bronx at the time to make it part of the setting is quite interesting. There's a little bit of a relationship storyline growing between Kenny and Lenora, but mainly, their encounters focus on the investigation, not unnecessary storyline development. This is a film with a great intellect, and that gives it a more artistic feel then just something for your regular early 80's horror movie fans.

The movie is probably one of the hidden gems that got lost during the 80's slashers and werewolf themed films. I say this because one might have different expectancy after reading the synopsis and the tag lines.

For me (a big horror and art movies fan) it was one of those rare films which didn't just deliver sensations (fear, edge of the seat experience, etc.),but also provides a clear and thoughtful message that stays with you after the credits roll.

For those who like symbolism, mysticism, there is a lot to discover in this movie.

Although there is no other resemblance, except the profound Eco message, i would put it together with "Emerald Forest"(Earth theme)and the more artsy "Embrace of the Serpent"(Civilization theme).

For me, as an animal and nature lover, it had a similar impact, mostly because this was intertwined with the themes of the movies I've mentioned above. Also deals with the fact the every progress of mankind means also some regress as well(technology vs senses/empathy).

Scripting and acting wise it isn't very spectacular, but compensates with good camera-work and concept/message. It will age well and will be relevant in the next decade too.

Highly recommended!