Brad Pitt and George Clooney, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, team up once again in Jon Watts’s latest high-concept comedy thriller, Wolfs. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, brings the dynamic duo together in a fun, infectious caper that is as much a nod to their legendary bromance as it is a thrilling ride through New York City’s dark underbelly. Wolfs is set to hit North American cinemas on September 20th and will be available globally on Apple TV+ from September 27th.
Plot Summary
In “,” Pitt and Clooney play near-identical roles as veteran crime fixers who find themselves double-booked on the same assignment. The film opens with a classic crime scene: a crash of glass, a woman’s screaming, and the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Amy Ryan plays Margaret, a woman who finds herself in a perilous situation after fling goes wrong. She calls Clooney’s character, who prides himself on being the only man for the job. Unbeknownst to her, the hotel calls Pitt’s character, setting the stage for a hilarious and action-packed showdown between two self-styled lone wolves.
The Dynamic Duo
Watts, who earned fame as the director of the Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy, appears to have had a lot of fun crafting Wolfs. The film plays on the meme of two Spider-Men pointing at each other, with Pitt and Clooney essentially playing two sides of the same coin. They share the same gravelly growl, the same narrowed stare, and even the same wardrobe—black leather jackets and greying stubble. The characters, Nick and Jack, could easily be mistaken for each other, which is precisely the point. However, the film cleverly keeps their names largely irrelevant, letting the audience implicitly recognize them as Pitt and Clooney.
A High-Stakes Caper
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Nick and Jack’s job is anything but simple. The young stud, played by Austin Abrams with a charmingly awkward beta-male vibe, turns out to be very much alive and soon escapes. What follows is a wild chase through Lower Manhattan, with the two fixers grumbling about their bad backs and lamenting that they’re too old for this kind of work. The movie’s high-stakes twists keep coming, with a bag of drugs in the trunk, Albanian gangsters lurking in the car park, and Sade’s “Smooth Operator” playing on repeat in the car—a humorous nod to the fixers’ self-perception as smooth criminals.
Chemistry and Comedy
Wolfs thrives on the undeniable chemistry between Pitt and Clooney. Their interactions are the film’s highlight, filled with witty banter and playful rivalry. The kid, who believes they’re partners, cheekily points out, “You’re basically the same guy.” This line captures the essence of the film—two characters who are more alike than they’d like to admit, yet they bring a contagious energy that makes the movie a joy to watch.
A Fun but Flawed Ride
While *Wolfs* is undeniably entertaining, it does have its limitations. The central conceit of Pitt and Clooney as nearly indistinguishable characters is amusing at first but eventually wears thin. The film’s reliance on this gimmick leads to moments where the plot feels like it’s spinning its wheels rather than moving forward. Great buddy movies thrive on the differences between characters—the friction and contrast that drive the narrative.
Wolfs is a lighthearted, self-aware thriller that leans heavily on the star power and chemistry of Brad Pitt and George Clooney. While the film may not be groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable ride that showcases the actors at their playful best. Jon Watts, freed from the constraints of the Marvel universe, delivers a film that feels like a breath of fresh air—albeit one that’s more about style than substance. If you’re looking for a fun, infectious caper with two of Hollywood’s most charismatic stars, Wolfs is worth watching.
FAQs
1. When will Wolfs be released?
A: Wolfs will be released in North American cinemas on September 20th and will be available globally on Apple TV+ from September 27th.
2. Who are the main stars of Wolfs?
A: The film stars Brad Pitt and George Clooney as veteran crime fixers who find themselves double-booked on the same assignment.
3. Who directed Wolfs?
A: Wolfs is directed by Jon Watts, known for his work on the Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy.
4. What is the central theme of Wolfs?
A: The film revolves around the concept of two self-styled lone wolves who discover they are more alike than they’d like to admit, leading to a fun and action-packed caper.
5. Is Wolfs a comedy or a thriller?
A: Wolfs is a high-concept comedy-thriller that combines elements of both genres to create an entertaining and lighthearted film.
