Review of You're Next (2013) by Wesley H — 15 Jan 2015

After having just experienced the thrill ride of The Guest, I immediately flocked to Adam Wingard's earlier film You're Next. I found myself unimpressed by this film, feeling like I was cheated of what could have been a great horror film.

Throughout my viewing, I was constantly questioning whether this was a commentary on formulaic slasher films like Cabin in the Woods was, or just simply a slasher film. I'll go with the latter.

Adam Wingard's direction is interesting enough to get me to watch the film. His inspirations give off Carpenter and Craven vibes throughout (with even the score being a direct imitation of Carpenter's musical taste). These inspirations served it well, but not for long. The plot quickly became typical, and its characters logically moronic in their decision-making (Yes, I know that is a staple of slasher films and suspension of reality is needed, but there just comes a point where it crosses the line).

The twists and motives behind the story give away too much, leaving the creepy, mysterious aesthetic of the killers unmasked and embarrassingly naked, while also reminded us of how Craven did this exact same concept so much better 19 years ago with Scream.

In the end, You're Next had potential to rattle the cage of formulaic slashers, but fell into the peer pressure of the formula and became just another one to add to the pile. If it's horrific survival horror you are looking for, just watch Funny Games.