Reviewed by Leeann Aubuchon
“Wolf Creek” is an Australian horror film inspired by true events, written and directed by Greg McLean.
The film begins by introducing the three protagonists, Cassandra Magrath as Liz Hunter, Kestie Morassi as Kristy Earl and Nathan Phillips as Ben Mitchell. The three carefree 20-somethings decide to go on a road trip together to Wolf Creek National Park, the site of a large crater formed by a meteorite. Everything is relatively lighthearted until the trio return from their hike to see the crater, only to discover that their car will not start. After dark, a bushman by the name of Mick Taylor played by actor John Jarratt comes across the stranded friends and offers to give them a tow to his camp and repair their car. Once at the old mining camp, things go terribly awry for the three.
The Good: The technical aspects of the film are top notch. The picture is crisp, clear, and colorful. The use of sound in this movie is very effective, heightening suspense and adding to the eeriness factor of the scenes. Acting is suburb all around but I give special kudos to John Jarratt. Jarratt plays an amazing brutally realistic, sadistic serial killer. Frankly, he scared the begeebers out of me… I am left begeeberless. While watching “Wolf Creek” I was affectionately reminded of classic American 1970s slasher flicks, which leads me to the less desirable aspects of the film.
The Bad: Being that the film left me reminiscent of movies like the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” also says something about its lack of originality; this is a plot we’ve all seen before. It was also rather annoying how when any of the protagonists were put in jeopardy they wound up doing the most cliché things. However, when panic-stricken, people aren’t usually able to think logically, so this is forgivable. There were a few holes in the plot but none substantial enough to take away from the movie. My biggest criticism goes to the film’s pacing. The build up with this movie was incredibly drawn out with little happening in the first half of the movie; the pacing improved in the latter half.
Overall Impression: “Wolf Creek” exceeded my expectations in the chill and suspense departments not to mention the brilliant performances given by the cast. It has a slight déjà vu feel yet novel enough that it stands out against similar films.
Scared Stiff Rating: 7/10