Megan Gallagher, the creator of the British thriller series ‘Wolf’, is delivering an unorthodox and captivating narrative that is sure to keep viewers guessing. In the world of pop culture, the haunting image of Laura Palmer wrapped in plastic along the riverbank in David Lynch’s iconic TV show ‘Twin Peaks’ remains etched in memory. Yet, in her own way, Gallagher attempts to evoke a similarly eerie ambiance with the eccentric and unsettling opening scenes of her distinct thriller series.
As the story unfolds in the sunlit gardens of an old grand house, the tranquil environment is abruptly disrupted by the appearance of a gas-masked figure shrouded in protective plastic, reminiscent of a hazmat suit, dragging a body eerily reminiscent of Palmer’s. However, unlike the measured actions of Twin Peaks’ FBI agent Dale Cooper, this enigmatic figure takes an unexpected turn, oscillating between shock and laughter-inducing moments.
The introduction of seemingly contradictory emotions is a hallmark of the roller-coaster journey ‘Wolf’ offers. Megan Gallagher, known for blending genres with a supernatural twist in ‘Seizure’, takes her storytelling prowess to the next level here. Much like ‘Twin Peaks’, ‘Wolf’ delves into the realm of crime noir and macabre, intertwining with an oddly appealing sense of humor. Directed by Kristoffer Nyholm, a regular of ‘The Killing’, and Lee Haven Jones of ‘Shetland’, the series purposefully keeps its audience off balance.
However, this captivating ride doesn’t solely rely on sunny settings. Swiftly, the narrative dives into the realm of horror as viewers encounter the solemn police officer Jack Caffrey, portrayed by Ukweli Roach, in a dim and damp basement tunnel littered with children’s toys amidst murky puddles. The chilling sound of a young boy’s plea for help from behind a locked door sends shivers down the spine. The opening episode of Gallagher’s gasp-inducing show introduces a series of perplexing mysteries, playfully subverting expectations.
In essence, ‘Wolf’ shares more with the genteel yet surreal eerie atmosphere of shows like ‘Midsomer Murders’ than the ‘Whodunnit’ style of Lynch’s creations. The nefarious activities in ‘Wolf’ are infused with an almost theatrical “he’s behind you” energy, creating a captivating mix of suspense and humor. Drawing inspiration from Mo Hayder’s novel, one of several pseudonyms used by Clare Damaris Bastin, Megan Gallagher injects her cheeky spirit into the narrative.
The series embraces a unique campy touch that colors the character interactions. Jack’s girlfriend Veronica (Kezia Burrows) affectionately exclaims, “I love it when you talk cop stuff,” as the story delves into Jack’s psychological wounds from a traumatic childhood incident and his fixation on the enigmatic neighbor (Anthony Webster) who may or may not be connected to his baby brother’s death.
‘Wolf’ doesn’t shy away from embracing the peculiar and prides itself on its distinctive approach, resulting in a gripping and enjoyable experience. Roach’s portrayal of Jack effectively maintains the wild mood shifts as the narrative unfolds, linking a tranquil home invasion to the gritty streets of the city and back to Jack’s tumultuous past.
With its unconventional narrative, diverse character dynamics, and unexpected twists, ‘Wolf’ stands out as an enthralling and memorable journey. Much like ‘Twin Peaks’, Gallagher’s creation defies molds, capturing the attention of viewers and ensuring an immersive binge-watching experience across its six engaging episodes.
