Wolfs

Jon Watts' Wolfs is a vehicle tailor-made for two of Hollywood's biggest stars, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, bringing them together in a genre they've long mastered: the crime comedy. On the surface, Wolfs is an entertaining film, with sharp dialogue, elegant direction and a plot that offers both laughs and tension. However, on closer inspection, the film subtly tackles themes of aging, masculinity and professional identity, all set against the backdrop of elegant, nocturnal New York.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt play rival arrangers, two men at the top of their game who are summoned to the same crime scene, each hired by different clients to clean up the same mess. Amy Ryan plays Margaret, a high-ranking lawyer who finds herself in a tricky situation when a young man, known only as the Kid (played by Austin Abrams), appears to die in her hotel room. As she tries to avoid a public scandal, she enlists the help of George Clooney's character, who prides himself on being the best in the business. Soon after, Brad Pitt's character appears, hired by the hotel's owner (Frances McDormand), to make sure the scandal doesn't tarnish the hotel's reputation.

The premise sets up what could easily be a run-of-the-mill crime thriller, but Jon Watts injects the story with plenty of comedy and character depth, focusing on the tension between these two lone wolves who suddenly have to work together. The film's title - Wolfs - is a pun on the idea that these two repairmen, like the wolves, are creatures who work alone, preferring isolation to cooperation. As a result, their interactions are marked by ego and competition, even as the stakes rise around them.

Wolfs' selling point is undoubtedly the electric chemistry between George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Their on-screen dynamic is reminiscent of their previous collaborations in the Ocean's trilogy and Burn After Reading. Both actors are masters in the art of subtle banter, and their natural charm permeates every scene they share. George Clooney embodies his character with a cool, unflappable demeanor, a man whose self-assurance is almost unshakeable. He's a consummate professional who, despite his advanced age, is still convinced he's the best. For his part, Brad Pitt plays his fixer with a little more smugness and mischief, constantly railing against Clooney's character while trying to prove that he's the superior operator.

It's the little moments between them that make Wolfs stand out, from the shared yawn after a long night to the synchronized retrieval of their reading glasses as they examine a pager, the film cleverly plays on their age without making it a focal point. They may be aging, but they're still at the top of their game, both in the film world and in the public eye. There's a physicality to their performances that subtly reminds us of their longevity in Hollywood; even as they chase the Kid through the streets of New York, they feel the weight of their years, but their determination and skill shine through.

Beneath the humor and action, Wolfs is a film that subtly explores the anxieties associated with aging and masculinity, particularly in a profession that demands precision and quick thinking. The repairmen, played by George Clooney and Brad Pitt, are men who have spent their careers repairing the damage caused by others, often in secret and without recognition. They thrive on being the best at what they do, but they have an underlying fear: what happens when they can't keep up? What will happen when the younger generation, symbolized by Austin Abrams' character, takes over?

This theme is reinforced throughout the film in small but significant ways. Both characters experience moments of physical vulnerability - George Clooney's repairman has a sore back, and Brad Pitt's is visibly out of breath after chase scenes. These are not the invincible, untouchable characters of typical action films, but men grappling with the reality of their aging bodies. Jon Watts' decision to emphasize these moments of physical tension gives Wolfs a touch of humanity, reminding us that even the most skilled professionals are not immune to the passage of time.

The film also plays with the idea of professional identity and ego. Both arrangers operate with a set of personal codes - rules they have developed over decades of experience. Their rivalry is not just about who's best at cleaning up messes, but also about who has the right philosophy, the best approach to their work. George Clooney's character is meticulous, methodical and believes in his tried-and-tested methods, while Brad Pitt's is more improvisational and willing to take risks. The film finds its tension in this clash of approaches, with each man trying to outdo the other while remaining true to his own sense of identity.

Jon Watts, who previously directed the Spider-Man trilogy, shows a more sober, atmospheric side with Wolfs. The film is beautifully shot by Larkin Seiple, whose use of New York's nighttime cityscape gives the film a noir tone. The streets of New York are bathed in cold, neon light, reinforcing the sense of isolation and danger that pervades the film. The city resembles a living entity, full of shadows and hidden dangers, making it the ideal playground for two men operating in the dark corners of society. Theodore Shapiro's music adds to the tension without overpowering the scenes, balancing moments of action with quieter, more introspective rhythms. The film also incorporates a selection of well-placed songs that complement the action sequences, particularly during the chases.

One of the most memorable sequences is a chaotic car and foot chase through Chinatown, where Austin Abrams' character unexpectedly comes back to life after being presumed dead. This chase is more than just a standard action scene - it's infused with humor, as the Kid stumbles through traffic in his underwear, and the repairmen struggle to keep up with him. The choreography is impeccable, and Jon Watts balances the tension of the chase with moments of slapstick comedy, keeping the audience on its toes while eliciting laughs.

While George Clooney and Brad Pitt are the obvious stars, Wolfs' supporting cast also deserves praise. Amy Ryan, as the exhausted district attorney, brings a level of desperation and vulnerability to her role. Although her screen time is limited, she justifies the film's more extravagant moments, reminding us of the very real consequences her character faces. Austin Abrams, as the bewildered and hyperactive Kid, steals several scenes with his nervous energy and naive admiration for the two repairmen. His performance adds a layer of unpredictability to the film, as his character's actions constantly upset the meticulous plans of the seasoned professionals.

Poorna Jagannathan is also remarkable in the role of the backroom doctor who must treat the fitters. His interactions with Brad Pitt and George Clooney are brief but memorable, providing some of the film's sharpest, most biting dialogue. And although Frances McDormand's role is limited to the voice of the hotel owner, her imposing presence lends weight to this invisible figure, reminding the fixers that someone is always watching them.

While Wolfs is undeniably entertaining, it's not without its flaws. The film's plot, while satisfying, doesn't break any new ground in the genre. The twists and turns, while entertaining, are predictable, and the film never delves deeply enough into its more philosophical themes. The emphasis is clearly on the chemistry between George Clooney and Brad Pitt, which means that the story often takes a back seat to their jokes and antics. As a result, the film can sometimes seem a little superficial, more interested in style than substance. What's more, the film's pace is sometimes uneven. The first act sets up an intriguing mystery, but the middle section of the film feels more like a series of linked set-pieces than a coherent narrative. While each scene is entertaining in its own right, the film lacks the tense, propulsive energy that could have elevated it to a higher level.

Wolfs succeeds because it knows exactly what it is: a stylized, star-studded crime film that relies on the charm and chemistry of George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Jon Watts directs the film with a firm hand, balancing humor, action and introspection without ever letting the film take itself too seriously. It's not a groundbreaking film in the genre, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable one. For fans of the two leads, Wolfs is exactly what you'd expect: a fun, fast-paced, witty romp through the underworld of New York. It's a film that plays to the strengths of its stars, offering a satisfying mix of laughs, thrills and just the right amount of nostalgia.

Wolfs
Written and directed by Jon Watts
Produced by George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Dianne McGunigle, Jon Watts
Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Poorna Jagannathan
Cinematography : Larkin Seiple
Edited by Andrew Weisblum
Music by Theodore Shapiro
Production companies : Apple Studios, Plan B Entertainment, Smokehouse Pictures
Distributed by Apple Original Films
Release dates : September 1, 2024 (Venice), September 20, 2024 (United States), September 27, 2024 (Apple TV+)
Running time : 108 minutes

Viewed on September 27, 2024 on Apple TV+.

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