Wolfen

Wolfen, a supernatural thriller film from 1981 directed by Michael Wadleigh, offers a chilling and uncommonly intelligent fusion of ecological horror and police procedural elements. Noteworthy performances by the film's cast, including Albert Finney, Diane Venora, and Edward James Olmos, makes Wolfen a must-watch for fans of the horror and thriller genres.

The film is based on Whitley Strieber's novel of the same name and fearlessly delves into its provocative themes, offering a unique perspective on humanity's relationship with nature and the urban environment. It cleverly uses the horror genre not just to offer shocks and scares, but also to make a subtle, impactful commentary on society.

Albert Finney, a celebrated actor of British cinema, leads the narrative as hardened city cop Dewey Wilson. Following a stint of personal trauma and professional burnout, Wilson is dragged back into the field when a series of grisly, inexplicable homicides fall onto the department's lap. The victims include a high-profile business mogul, his wife, and their bodyguard, whose remains are found scattered across a New York City property after what appears to be a particularly gruesome incident.

As Wilson delves deeper into the case, he is joined by criminal psychologist Rebecca Neff, portrayed with grounded sensitivity by Diane Venora. Together, the unsuspecting duo finds themselves entangled in an eerie web of mysteries that link the killings to an ancient native American legend about supernatural wolves or the 'Wolfen.' They navigate the crime's urban landscape, frequently venturing into South Bronx's derelict buildings and ominous shadows, where the heart of the mystery lies.

Edward James Olmos delivers a standout performance as Eddie Holt, a fascinating character with connections to native American communities and possibly to the cryptic Wolfen. His scenes with Finney stand amongst the film's best, offering viewers a tantalizing view into the film's complex blend of the natural, the supernatural, and the urban.

Wolfen expertly balances between delivering thrilling horror sequences and unravelling an intricate crime investigation. Moments of nail-biting suspense, hand-held chase scenes, zen-like stillness, and slow-revealing moments of eerie discovery are all part of this engaging horror-drama film. The narrative is powered by rich cinema language, absorbing dialogue, and a fittingly haunting soundtrack that provide a high-tension score to the on-screen events.

One of the film's unique elements is its special effects and cinematography. Horror aficionados will appreciate how Wolfen presents the wolf's viewpoint – a trailblazing "predator vision" effect – that adds a gripping layer to the terror. This innovative use of visual effects places viewers in haunting proximity to the Wolfen, adding a visceral layer to the film's chilling premise. The movie is also an homage to the gritty, textured visual aesthetic of New York in the '80s, which serves as an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding story.

But, beyond the surface-level scares and police procedure, Wolfen is a film with robust underlying themes. The movie's subtext explores the impact of urban development and industrialization on nature, raising pertinent questions about who the real intruders are – the Wolfen or the humans steadily encroaching on nature's territory. Herein, the film distinguishes itself from being just another thriller, adding depth and substance to the gripping plot.

In conclusion, Wolfen stands out as a unique take on the horror genre – an atmospheric, intelligent, and subtly provocative film that uses the framework of a supernatural thriller to offer thought-provoking perspectives. It holds up magnificently even decades after its original release, a testament to its cinematic allure. It is a must-watch for not only the followers of the genre but also those who appreciate thoughtful, skillfully realized cinema. The brilliance of Wolfen lies in its ability to send a chill down viewers' spines while simultaneously prompting them to ponder larger societal issues.