Robert Eggers, the auteur behind acclaimed features like The Witch and The Northman, is set to delve into the werewolf mythos with his upcoming film, Werwulf. The recently released trailer provides a raw, atmospheric look at the 13th-century British setting and the intense hunt at the heart of the story.

The film, which is also known as Werwulf: The Cursed Beast in some markets, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular cursed creature. He is pursued by a relentless hunter, portrayed by the venerable Willem Dafoe. Lily-Rose Depp also features in the ensemble cast. The narrative centers on the desperate efforts to save a local population from the monstrous threat, unfolding against a backdrop of period-accurate grimness.

Eggers has carved out a unique niche in contemporary cinema, often dividing audiences with his visually rich and mythologically dense storytelling. From the unsettling folk horror of The Witch to the Lovecraftian dread of The Lighthouse, and the epic Norse saga The Northman, his films are characterized by meticulous period detail, striking cinematography, and a deep dive into the occult. Early impressions from the Werwulf trailer suggest a continuation of these hallmarks, promising another visually sophisticated and uncompromising cinematic experience that pushes his aesthetic further than even his recent gothic drama, Nosferatu.

Fans of Eggers' work will likely appreciate the familiar elements: emphatic direction, expressionistic visual style, and a keen interest in the darker aspects of human nature and folklore. Critics, however, may continue to debate whether the director is refining his craft or circling familiar thematic territory. Regardless, Werwulf appears poised to be another meticulously crafted piece, a testament to Eggers' commitment to immersive world-building.

The screenplay for Werwulf was co-written by Eggers and Icelandic author Sjón, who previously collaborated on The Northman. Cinematography is handled by Jarin Blaschke, a long-standing creative partner who has lensed all of Eggers' features, in addition to M. Night Shyamalan's Knock at the Cabin. This consistent team bodes well for maintaining the director's signature visual integrity.

Werwulf: The Cursed Beast is slated for release in French cinemas on January 6, 2027, with international dates expected to follow.