“Wolfs”: A Laidback Bromantic Comedy
When you hear that George Clooney and Brad Pitt are reuniting in a film, it’s natural to expect something memorable, especially given their charming chemistry in the Ocean’s Eleven series. Directed and written by Jon Watts, known for his work on Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy, Wolfs brings these Hollywood heavyweights back together in a laidback bromantic comedy that aims to captivate audiences with its star power. But does it deliver on its promise? With its debut at the Venice Film Festival and an imminent release on Apple+, Wolfs has generated curiosity and anticipation. Yet, as it turns out, this crime caper might not have the spark that viewers hoped for.
Clooney and Pitt: An Endearing Duo of Underworld Fixers
The plot of Wolfs centers around two underworld fixers, played by Clooney and Pitt, who find themselves unexpectedly thrown together on a peculiar assignment. Clooney portrays a mysterious “man in black,” a seasoned professional known for his ability to make problems vanish without a trace. His talents are put to the test when a tough-on-crime district attorney, played by Amy Ryan, encounters a significant predicament in a lavish New York hotel suite. After picking up a younger man, portrayed by Austin Abrams, from a hotel bar, the night takes an unexpected turn when the man appears to die suddenly in her bed. It is here that Clooney’s character is called to action, boasting, “There’s nobody who can do what I do.”
However, just as Clooney’s fixer is ready to handle the situation, Brad Pitt’s character arrives on the scene, making the exact same claim about his unmatched skills. This double-booking of fixers sets the stage for the film’s central comedic dynamic: two “lone wolves” forced to work together, much to their mutual annoyance. To further complicate matters, they quickly discover that the young man they were supposed to dispose of is not only alive but also in possession of a backpack filled with stolen drugs. The unlikely duo embarks on a journey around the city to locate the rightful owners of the drugs, all while trying to tolerate each other’s presence.
A Bromantic Comedy with a Laidback Vibe
Wolfs is reminiscent of a time when Hollywood stars appeared in bromantic comedy thrillers rather than donning superhero capes. The film draws inspiration from classic 1980s hits like Midnight Run and 48 Hrs., where the clashing personalities of the leading men fueled the narrative’s energy. However, the twist in Wolfs is that Clooney and Pitt’s characters are more alike than they care to admit. The young man they are tasked with managing even remarks, “You’ve got the same clothes, you talk the same, you’re basically the same guy.”
This revelation makes for an amusing dynamic, especially when the two realize they share some commonalities that come with age, such as bad backs and a need for reading glasses. Despite the humor in their bickering and mutual recognition of their similarities, there is a notable absence of friction that could elevate the comedic tension to another level. While Clooney and Pitt’s chemistry is indeed charming and endearing, it lacks the sharpness and vitality that made their previous collaborations so memorable.
A Puzzling Plot with Unanswered Questions
Jon Watts, known for his dynamic direction in the Spider-Man series, takes a surprisingly relaxed approach with Wolfs. The film saunters along with minimal urgency, offering fewer twists and turns than what one might expect from a nocturnal crime odyssey. There are some vague references to Albanian gangsters, but the plot lacks the complexity and stakes needed to make it truly engaging. Instead, the narrative seems to meander, much like its protagonists, leaving audiences with more questions than answers.
The plot’s languorous pace raises several unanswered questions: What exactly is the backstory of the district attorney, and how does she become entangled with the drug dealers? Who owns the luxurious hotel, and what role do they play in the unfolding events? And what about the fixers themselves—what drives them, and why do they choose this dangerous line of work? These questions remain largely unexplored, and by the film’s abrupt ending, the characters are as lightly sketched as they were at the beginning.
Clooney and Pitt: Still Cool, But Missing the Spark
There is undeniable pleasure in watching George Clooney and Brad Pitt share the screen again. Their easygoing camaraderie and natural charisma carry the film through its slower moments. Clooney plays the grumpier of the two, with a weary, reserved demeanor, while Pitt brings a cheekier, more laid-back energy to his role. Yet, despite their individual talents, the dynamic between the two characters never quite reaches the level of humor and chemistry that their fans might expect.
While their banter and mild insults provide a few chuckles, it lacks the wit and sharpness found in their previous collaborations. Unlike the high-stakes games in Ocean’s Eleven, where their back-and-forth felt fresh and invigorating, here it feels somewhat muted. Pitt and Clooney play characters who are terse, reserved, and prone to mumbled disagreements—far from the vibrant energy of, say, a Deadpool and Wolverine dynamic.
A Film Designed for Streaming
Perhaps Wolfs is best viewed as a low-stakes, comfort movie that plays into the strengths of its stars without pushing them—or the audience—too hard. It is precisely the kind of film that streaming platforms like Apple+ thrive on: an easy-going, watchable, yet ultimately forgettable piece of entertainment. There is a certain charm in the film’s nostalgia for an era when Hollywood produced more bromantic comedies, but it never quite reaches the levels of its predecessors.
The film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival hints at a broader ambition, yet its relaxed narrative style and unresolved storylines suggest it is not aiming to be a critical darling or a blockbuster hit. Instead, Wolfs is content to be a light, enjoyable romp that makes the most of its leading duo’s appeal.
Could There Be a Sequel?
One of the more puzzling aspects of Wolfs is its seemingly incomplete narrative. Several plot threads are left hanging by the film’s end, suggesting that director Jon Watts may be eyeing a potential sequel. The chemistry between Clooney and Pitt is certainly strong enough to warrant another outing, but if Wolfs 2 does come to fruition, it will need to offer more bite and substance to keep audiences engaged.
For any sequel, a tighter script with more engaging plot twists and character development would be essential. Exploring the backgrounds and motivations of the fixers, diving deeper into their relationship, and providing more context for the mysterious hotel and its shady characters could elevate the story from a casual watch to a memorable caper.
A Throwback to a Bygone Era of Cinema
In many ways, Wolfs serves as a throwback to a time when Hollywood stars were not primarily seen in superhero roles or high-concept franchises. It attempts to capture the magic of films where the charm of its lead actors was enough to drive the narrative forward. The problem, however, lies in the lack of conflict or urgency, which leaves the audience longing for more.
Films like Midnight Run or 48 Hrs. worked because of the tension and contrast between their lead characters, which provided an engine for the comedy and drama. In contrast, Wolfs leans heavily on the similarities between its protagonists, which, while endearing, do not generate enough sparks to keep the film compelling.
The Film’s Reception: Mixed Reviews
Wolfs has garnered mixed reviews since its debut at the Venice Film Festival. Some critics have appreciated the laid-back vibe and the nostalgic appeal of seeing Clooney and Pitt together again. Others, however, have criticized the film for its lack of narrative drive and its failure to fully utilize the talents of its leading men. The general consensus appears to be that while the film is enjoyable and watchable, it does not leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion: A Bromantic Comedy with Room for Improvement
Wolfs is a film that offers the chance to see two of Hollywood’s most charismatic stars together again, but it lacks the spark and excitement needed to make it truly memorable. George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s chemistry is undeniable, and their performances provide enough charm to carry the film through its slower moments. However, the narrative’s lack of urgency, the underdeveloped characters, and the absence of a compelling plot prevent Wolfs from reaching its full potential.
Jon Watts’ direction, which favors a languid, relaxed pace, may appeal to those looking for a light, easy watch. Still, for those hoping for a return to the dynamic energy of Ocean’s Eleven, Wolfs might feel like a missed opportunity. If a sequel is indeed in the cards, one can only hope that it brings more substance, sharper humor, and a plot that does justice to its stars.
In the end, Wolfs is a film that entertains in a quiet, understated way, but it falls short of the heights it could have reached given its star-studded cast and the pedigree of its director. It serves as a pleasant reminder of a different era of Hollywood filmmaking, but it also highlights the need for more than just star power to create a truly engaging and memorable cinematic experience.
