A new Marvel project released to little fanfare has Disney Plus howling with delight at its popularity - with some viewers hailing it as the best Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) outing since the Avengers movies.
Released as part of phase four of the MCU, one-off special Werewolf by Night has received much praise from critics.
They were left particularly impressed by the show's practical effects, stunning black-and-white cinematography and the quality performances from leads Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly.
Filmed in black-and-white, the 55-minute tour de force, directed by Michael Giacchino, follows the death of esteemed monster-hunter Ulysses Bloodstone.
His widow, Verussa, summons five other experienced monster slayers, including Jack Russell, to Bloodstone Manor, where they're told to take part in a competitive hunt to determine their new leader and wield the powerful Bloodstone.
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Following its release earlier this month, Werewolf by Night has scored an impressive 92 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 7.70/10, based on 75 reviews.
The website's critics consensus reads: "A spooky yarn told with taut economy, Werewolf by Night is a standout Marvel entry that proves Michael Giacchino as atmospheric and skilled a director as he is a composer."
Jordan Moreau from Variety called Werewolf by Night "a triumphant first effort at losing the capes and spandex and delving into more genre territory for Marvel".
However, Moreau was less keen on how the werewolf actually looked. He wanted it more 'intimidating or hulking' to be more in line with the classic creatures in monster films of old.
Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Feinberg noted: "At only 52 minutes and decidedly light on plot and supporting characters, (Werewolf by Night) is a slight but fairly amusing thing, elevated above being a mere exercise in style by the lead performances from Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly."
He applauded the design of Bloodstone Manor and the "vintage spooky homages" but wished Giacchino had "pushed the extremes of the aesthetic even more" than he did. Feinberg called Giacchino's score "the standout element that ties everything together".
Many fans have been bowled over by this latest entry into the Marvel universe.
One excited viewer gushed: “That was the best MCU project I’ve seen in a hot minute and it was really pleasantly enjoyable".
While another noted: “Werewolf by Night is not only one of the best phase 4 projects but just one of the best MCU projects in general.”
Some went as far as to say it is maybe the best MCU project since Avengers films Infinity War (2019) and Endgame (2020).
“Was not expecting Werewolf by Night to be the best MCU movie since Infinity War, but here were are,” wrote one fan, with another stating: “Everyone go watch Werewolf by Night - this might be the best thing Marvel has made since Endgame .”
