Is Hour of the Wolf Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Hour of the Wolf is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Hour of the Wolf Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1968, Hour of the Wolf emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of While vacationing on a remote German island with his younger pregnant wife, an artist has an emotional breakdown while confronting his repressed desires. Unlike standard genre fare, Hour of the Wolf attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Hour of the Wolf features a noteworthy lineup led by Max von Sydow . Supported by the likes of Liv Ullmann and Gertrud Fridh , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Hour of the Wolf (1968) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Hour of the Wolf Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Hour of the Wolf is a Drama, Horror film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. While vacationing on a remote German island with his younger pregnant wife, an artist has an emotional breakdown while confronting his repressed desires. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Hour of the Wolf Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Hour of the Wolf resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Hour of the Wolf reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Hour of the Wolf?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Full Cast & Crew of Hour of the Wolf
- Max von Sydow – Johan Borg
- Liv Ullmann – Alma Borg
- Gertrud Fridh – Corinne von Merkens
- Georg Rydeberg – Lindhorst
- Erland Josephson – Baron von Merkens
Top Highlights
Max von SydowJohan Borg
Liv UllmannAlma Borg
Gertrud FridhCorinne von Merkens
Georg RydebergLindhorst
Erland JosephsonBaron von Merkens
Naima WifstrandOld Lady with Hat
Ulf JohanssonHeerbrand
Gudrun BrostGamla Fru von Merkens
Bertil AnderbergErnst von Merkens
Ingrid ThulinVeronica Vogler
Where to Watch Hour of the Wolf Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Hour of the Wolf has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Horror), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Hour of the Wolf stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1968 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hour of the Wolf movie hit or flop?
Hour of the Wolf is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Horror movies.
Is Hour of the Wolf worth watching?
Yes, Hour of the Wolf is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Horror cinema.
Where can I watch Hour of the Wolf online?
Hour of the Wolf is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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How Hour of the Wolf Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Hour of the Wolf
Now is when most nightmares come to us... Hour of the Wolf (Vargtimmen) is written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It stars Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Gertrud Fridh, Georg Rydeberg and Ingrid Thulin. Music is by Lars Johan Werle and cinematography by Sven Nyquist. While vacationing on a remote Scandanavian island with his younger pregnant wife, an artist has an emotional breakdown while confronting his repressed desires. Is this really Ingmar Bergman's only genuine horror movie? I would argue that pretty much most of his movies have horrific elements. That said, this one is haunting in its dissection of a fragmented mind, to see the unravelling of an artistic persona tortured by repression, doubt and a nightmarish world that he, or us, are not sure exists or not. When Bergman was at his pomp, he had this knack of drawing in his audience to be part of his plays, so it be here. Sydow yet again gives his all for his director, absolutely sinking into the role of troubled artist Johan Borg. Ullman (playing pregnant and genuinely pregnant with Bergman's child), yet again hits all the emotive discordant notes of a woman in love but fearful of where both her sanity - and that of her husband - is heading. As Johan's drawings start to take on disturbing overtones (we don't see them, he narrates to his wife but we get the picture), we then get pulled into Bergman's world of flashbacks and the question of reality or nightmares?. Here the director unleashes his weapons of choice, human demons - grotesques, all cloaked magnificently by cinematographer Nyquist who once again follows his leader down the road of chilly expressionism. Alma (Ullman) quite early on announces that couples who are together for so long start to resemble each other, so is it any coincidence that as things reach fever pitch Johan is wearing lipstick? Are we to buy into the notion that Sydow's character's under Bergman are in fact his alter egos? Does it matter? No it doesn't, for Bergman is a fascinating director (I personally don't like all his films), what you do come away with is a feeling of being invaded mentally - and joyously so. 8/10
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