Review of Wolf Creek (2005) by Ben S — 23 Nov 2008
Though not perfect, this film succeeds on so many levels within it's genre, it more than lives up to it's hype in my corner. Hollywood should take heed, this is disturbing, intense stuff, the way this kind of thing is meant to be. It's uniqueness is cemented by it's well above average script (for this kind of thing), the performances, especially of the two main girls when all the shit goes down, its visual style - mixing up intense handheld, drawn out shots with breathtaking still scenery of the outback, that, as you would want in a film like this is almost a character in itself. At times McLean really succeeds at sticking us in the middle of nowhere with the three protagonists and credit to him.
Obviously a fan of the old school horror of the 1970s, McLean has created something on par with the classics and not in glossy recreation for the MTV generation way, ala Rob Zombie. This is gritty, independent and best of all, home-grown and obviously so, but not in your face or in pretentious way either. Even our villain, "Uncle Mick", despite being ridiculously ocker is not OTT. Though there is a reason for why that is. As the film goes on, his friendly, somewhat comforting manner to our main players, makes one nasty bastard considering what;s to come. Of course it works, because McLean has purposely turned the stereotype on it's head, and what we're left with is the most evil Mick Dundee you could image. Which is perfect and really elevates the film.
Still, it's not a film for all horror fans, and even though the gore is realistic and brutal - while still far from 'cover your eyes' stuff, there really isn't that much of it. The sense of dread created for our heroes is far more overwhelming and that's what really gives it the extra half star from me for. It will definitely appeal to older genre fans than the newer "remake" generation one can safely say.
Maybe there's something wrong with me too admit it, but this actually more proud of our industry than say a Little Fish or Somersault...
This review of Wolf Creek (2005) was written by Ben S on 23 Nov 2008.
Wolf Creek has generally received mixed reviews.
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