The world is closing in on Naomi Watts in The Wolf Hour, the latest from writer/director Alistair Banks Griffin.
In 1977, Watts’ June is holed up in her NYC apartment. She’s on a deadline, long past due turning in a book that might revive her once illustrious career, but that’s not really why she stays indoors. The world is crumbling around her, with oppressive heat, increasing violence, and the Son of Sam lurking outside. Safer inside, safer away, safer disengaged. No matter how hard she tries, though, the madness of the world keeps pushing its way in, slowly unraveling her.
This lightly plotted thriller is quite the change of pace for Griffin, who’s waited nine years since his debut, Two Gates of Sleep, for his next film. While that film also moved at a leisurely pace, this requires him to ratchet up the tension while his main character languishes, a difficult task for any filmmaker.
Luckily he’s got a hell of a lead in Naomi Watts, who knows how to navigate offbeat material. Joining her is an impressive list of co-stars who pop up for one or two scenes, including Jennifer Ehle, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Emory Cohen.
The slow burn means it won’t be for everyone, but if you like your thrillers to methodically constrict you, then The Wolf Hour might be worth tracking down.
The Wolf Hour is directed by Alistair Banks Griffin and stars Naomi Watts, Emory Cohen, and Jennifer Ehle. It will be released in the US on December 6th, 2019. For international release dates, click here.
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