Wolf Creek
| release date | December 25 2005 |
| studio | WeinsteinCo. |
| director | Greg McLean |
| writer | Greg McLean |
| starring | John Jarratt, Cassandra Magrath, Kestle Morassi, Nathan Phillips, Andy Mcphee |
| rating | R |
| site | wolfcreekmovie.com |
| trailer 1 | Trailer #1 |
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Two young girls, Liz (Cassandra Magrath) and Kristy (Kestie Morassi) are on an Australian road-trip with Ben (Nathan Phillips) a city boy from Sydney. One of their destinations is the massive meteor crater located in the Wolf Creek National Park. After making the hike to the center of the crater, they return to find that their car will not start. After accepting the fact that there was nothing that could be done to immediately remedy the situation, especially with the night quickly approaching, the disheartened trio settle in for a night spent inside the car. As night envelopes them, they are discovered by a friendly bushman named Mick (John Jarratt) who, with his truck, offers to tow them to his garage. There he would fix their car and then send them on their way. With no other viable options to choose from, the three decide to take Mick up on his offer. However, once back at Mick’s camp, these three youths find that Mick is not that nice of a guy. In fact, he is the most vile, evil human being they will ever have the displeasure of meeting.
Based loosely on the Backpack Murders of Australia, Greg McLean has created an extremely brutal, unflinching film that displays a serial killer that ranks with some of cinemas most repulsive characters. Wolf Creek deviates from the normal framework a film like this could have easily draped itself over, and instead echoes Texas Chainsaw Massacre in its’ choice to take it’s sweet time before showing its true colors. The camera follows these three travelers as they go from party to campsite. The two girls are convincing and actually seem to have a past history. With two noticeable different personalities, they seem fleshed out to a point that their actions seem natural and believable. Ben, the lone male in this group, is just as convincing as a happy-go-lucky type of guy who just wants to make sure the girls have a good time, as evident by his always trying to make the best out of a bad situation. But not surprisingly, it is the protagonist of Wolf Creek who steals the show. Greg McLean could have created a menace copied from recent slasherhorror films. A killer that spouts one-liners as if on stage at a comedy amateur hour, or even has the audience rooting for him because the audience could care less about the characters he is killing. But the character of Mick is one nasty customer. He is utterly despicable and repugnant. He is also played with uncanny believability. A combination of a few serial killers wrapped up in a Crocodile Dundee personality, Mick is one of the most realistic serial killers to be played on screen for some time, and really makes you think of the fate that has befell the victims of some of the worlds real-life monsters.
The cinematography of Will Gibson gives Wolf Creek an overall strong look and captures the open, desolate beauty of the Australian Outback with its ability to dwarf, engulf and in some cases hide anyone who decides to venture into it. These natural features effectively cut off our characters from any semblance of civilization with the only obstacles between the them and possible help is the expansive, desolate landscape between them. This nightmare scenario turns even worse when later, as night falls, our victims are chased into the endless terrain without the benefit of direction or light. No aliens chasing a hapless crew through endless corridors of a space-ship, or psychos wearing goalie masks chasing nubile females throughout the numerous rooms of a house, Mick is a bushman and tracks his prey with an ease and level of comfort that a seasoned hunter displays when hunting game. This attribute makes the character of Mick even more terrifying and detestable as it is clear that he is enjoying every single second of torture he deals out. The repulsion sinks deeper when the knowledge hits that this monster has done this many, many times before.
With some extreme violence and a ‘head on a stick’ scene that will surely make the most jaded horror fan wince a little, Wolf Creek delivers the goods. Some will argue that too much time is used before getting to the goods, as McLean could have just as easily nixed the introduction of Mick and finished off the movie as an indie love story, but Greg McLean uses the dynamics of these three youths personalities to lull the viewer into a since of safety. A film of this nature rarely takes the time to flesh out the players and try to get the viewer to actually connect with them, to possibly even like them. In doing this, the time that was used for character development is well spent and extremely effective as it makes watching some of the events that unfold even more horrifying. This is aided by McLean breaking some of the guidelines movie audiences have been accustomed to when watching a horror title that involves a psycho and his young victims. Not content in delivering yet another by-the-numbers serial killer movie, Mclean makes sure that the viewer is never quite sure exactly what to expect next and the way the events unfold may surprise even the most avid horror movie fan.
Critics have made numerous comments on the apparent misogynist slant of Wolf Creek, that the creator of this film seemed to take delight in the nightmare-ish way the females are treated. While it is true that the events these three youth face in Wolf Creek are horrific and at times, offensive…but for anyone who follows the details of the cases that this movie is based on, they are also quite realistic.
I agree with the BD review that the movie started slowly for the first hour. I was yawning through it just waiting for some excitement to happen. However that is the only thing I agree with. I did not find it unpredictable. It was obvious who the killer was. The worst part about the BD review is that it goes on to state that the movie is realistic and could happen to everyone. About an hour into the movie after being atacked by the killer the two female characters are able to disarm him by knocking the killer out. In typical bad horror movie cliche fashion they do not kill the villain when he is vulnerable. Predictably the killer arises, but this is where I had to stop watching the movie. Two problems came into existance. First the killer was not charismatic or iconic i.e. Freddy Krueger like. Second now that the two dumb female characters did not kill the villain I found myself feeling that I no longer care if they live. I no longer cared who wins. These two ditzes deserved to die. So I turned the movie off and will not watch it to this day.
the first half is a bit slow, but that adds to the realism and makes the last half all the more shocking. the villain is memorable and funny, and hopefully we’ll see him again in a sequel/prequel. over all it’s a great movie, similar in style and feel to the original TCM. if you are over the age of 15 you should have enough patience to get through the slow first half, and appreciate it afterwards.
I first saw this movie on Starz and, the day after that I went and brought it.
The first hour of the movie was slow and dreadful and boring. But once it got to where the girls were captured, running around and trying to escape got better! This movie was terrifying because of how realistic it was!!!! I really only have one thing to say about this movie: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cant wait for Wolf Creek 2!!!!
I have read BD review after review comparing all kinds of other movies to this one, and I cannot understand it. I’ve seen this movie a few times, I even owned it once, and I don’t see the appeal. There’s nothing scary or unpredictable in it…in fact, i don’t even think it’s a horror movie. Now granted, it was ‘based’ on a real story, and to its credit, the cinematography and acting were good. But the story was boring. There was no suspense, just a few cheap scares. I would never recommend this as highly as others do, it’s just not entertaining. So, for one of the few times that this will happen, I disagree with BD, greatly, and I really don’t think anyone should get their hopes up about this one.
2nd Best Horror Film of 2005 right behind the Descent.
People who compare this to The Descent, please get in touch with reality. The Descent was a cheap b-movie(even the director seems to agree with this) with a cheap cliche ending. Wolf Creek was meant to be as realistic as humanly possible, and it pulled it off without obvious cliches.
The only comparison between the two is they both start out slow. About 80% is nothing but collage kids having fun. Personally, though, I love the slow horror almost as much as the fast-paced action/gore in the Saw series. But it’s a matter of taste, though. Avoid this like the plague if that style bores you.
The killer-dude reminded me of myself. We both do the same awkward stare and have the same funny-then-brutal personality. You have got to love the dude. He beats cliches like the killers in Mr. Brooks and Disturbia.
Lastly, and most impressively, the camera is done indie with amazing cinematography. The effect makes it look almost like perfect real life, unlike the stylistic lenses in most movies. I’ve rarely seen anything like it.
How’s the gore? It’s not as toned-down as movies like Untraceable, but it’s not as extreme as Saw III, either. It’s realistic and subtle. The fingers scene still makes me smile.
Overall, amazingly fun movie. But only for certain people. A lot of hardcore horror fans won’t dig it, but I certainly did.
A+
Although I feel taking almost an hour for character development was going a little overboard, this is still quite the movie. The last 45 minutes of the movie definitely make up for anything that was wrong with the first half.
A+++
Being from Australia and with a love of horror films, I decided that and Aussie horror film would be perfect.
Dragging several friends along to the movies the day before we were suppose to drive cross-country to Perth from Brisbane was the biggest mistake I ever made.
After watching the film that scared the beejesus out of us, we ditched the plans to travel by car instead opting for a plane ride. John Jarett gives a stellar performance as Mick Taylor. I recommend it for anyone who would like to see the Aussie outback at it’s worst.
this movie is total bullcrap !!!!
pretty good
SPOILER ALERT
Every time one of them were gonna get away it was so convincing that they were. Even when they were caught I thought they still had a chance. Tear tear. And by the end of the film I wasn’t expecting him to make it but he did which had me at the edge of my seat.
Wolf creek is so painful to watch. I’m not talking about the brutality I’m talking about the film itself. The first hour is just teens getting drunk, acting stupid, swearing, and making videos while their drunk. Mind you this is a horror film not some drunkfest. Then when we finally get to the “horror” the film ends and it’s not even scary. If I could give this zero skulls I would gladly. If you are looking for a decent horror film then I’d say skip Wolf creek.
pretty good
at some scenes this movies creeps me
i would watch it again
“I was thrilled to see a movie like ‘Wolf Creek’ come out in theatres: a straightforward horror film not relying on clever twists (except one, small one) or gimmicks. It was the kind of film ‘High Tension’ started off as before that last act mindf*ck. And while I ended up appreciating what that movie did, I would have loved it more without the twist.
‘Wolf Creek’ picks up where films like ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and ‘Last House on the Left’ left off, without feeling the need to necessarily “pay homage” to them. I wonder if the fact that it’s not American-made has anything to do with that. I also wonder if the non-American influence kept this from becoming predictable or familiar in any way. What you think is going to happen in this film never quite happens. One of the original ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ taglines was, “Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them?” I think this film asks the same question, but doesn’t provide so simple an answer.
I think it’s best to know little about “what happens” here before seeing it. Most people know the basics–three backpackers on a road trip, they stop at remote Wolf Creek, entering an odd Twilight Zone of stopped time and dead car engines. A friendly bushman stops by willing to help, let the nightmare begin.
I love that director/writer/producer Greg McLean never offers an explanation for the watches and the car engine. What happens in this film seems almost alien–three humans struggling to survive on what appears like a distant, barren planet, up against a hunter with no semblance of humanity in him. Yes, this movie is very similar to “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” but it is in no way a rip-off. While the early-morning showdown on the barren road may look similar to the climax of TCM, it is its own nightmarish entity. In fact, some of the scene reminded me of “Duel.” The acting in this movie is brilliant. The three leads–Ben, Kristi, and Liz–are so wonderfully likable, and there is an odd feeling of improvisation in the acting. It’s so natural, it seems impossible to script. When everything goes to hell, you want all three of them to survive, and you’ll surely be devastated by the slightest injury any of them endures. Many have complained about the hour or so of build up, but I think it was brilliant on McLean’s part to make sure we cared about these people, and then to put them through the wringer. It’s sadistic, too, emotionally, but it’s the sign of a great director.
John Jarratt, as Mick, is unforgettably cruel. Jarratt embodies this character from head to toe, and is fearless in his performance. Mick is an ugly, cruel man, and yet when we first meet him, he seems like the nicest guy in the world. One of the scariest aspects to this film is that you can see yourself falling for all of his tricks.
To be honest, I never want to see “Wolf Creek” again. It’s not a fun movie. I left wanting to hate it, because I hated what happened. But I admire this movie for what it managed to do. I truly had to keep repeating to myself, “It’s only a movie,” (the infamous “Last House on the Left” tagline) but it’s so realistic and so unflinching in portraying what happens, that you’ll feel as if someone was always peeking around a corner with a camera, filming an actual event. Of course, this is based on true events, and frankly, there is some discrepancy to how “true” this film tries to be (obviously, much of the second act had to be dramatized, and you’ll realize why once you see the movie) but it didn’t need that “based on true events” tag. It’s already very real.
I hate to end on the old “Jaws” cliché, but as I am going to Australia soon, I can say for a fact that this does do for backpacking what “Jaws” did for swimming. I consider this movie a parable of sorts. Well done.” — cdrucke1, imdb.com
Wonderful film that takes place in such a beautiful stretch of empty land in australia, where later the director of this film would return for his follow up Rogue. this film wolf creek has something alot of horror movies lack and that’s a villian with a really interesting personality, not since freddy krueger has a villian been so mean and funny.
Good film, interesting and take time on the possible sequel.
this movie was crap its painfully dull and i dont give a damn
I really wanted to like this movie but to me it just blew! The first hour or so of this movie it’s just them driving, screwing around and them trying to establish a love connection between two characters to make you care about them more but I couldn’t have cared less. By the time they got to the meat of the movie as it were, I didn’t really care what happened.
Oh yeah this is a creeper , in line with the Hitcher ….I couldnt stop thinking about this movie for days !!!!!!!
Great film. 3 tourists stuck in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to run and nowhere to hide whilst being pursued by one of the most twisted and psychotic villains ever created. This film succeeds as the characters are people you actually care about and to see them literally being dragged into hell at the hands of a complete loon sharpens the impact. Nice slow building tension turns into want to look away unbearableness with just the right amount of blood and gore to go with it and the fact that **SPOILERS** the killer walks of into the sunset, perfect. The ‘based on true events’ poster tag isn’t just a lame reel you in hook either. Do a google search on ‘Ivan Milat’, the whole head on a stick kill was actually one of his methods and the inspiration for Mick Taylor, hell, they even look alike. A very different look at the Australian outback and not a pleasant one.
It was just ok. The first hour was really boring.
This movie was good but i wouldnt watch it because it was “Based on true events”. The first hour is pretty boring, though you do begin to know the characters. *SPOILER* The 2 girls were never found and the killer or his location were never found, so really the only thing that may be true is what happened to the guy and everything before they went to sleep at the camp fire. *END SPOILER* So when you watch this movie expect some sick twisted scenes and to be really creeped out, but keep in mind that even though these scenes are well done, well shot, written, acted, etc dont count on it to be true.
Very good movie. It’s simple and somewhat predictable, but it works and I enjoyed it a lot.
How did this film get such good reviews? There’s barely anything redeemable or original about this film! The plot line is predictable and linear, the script is pretty weak. The Aussie accents are a hoot!
I didn’t enjoy this film. Thought it was pretty run-of-the-mill. Just realise that there’s nothing to be gained by watching the film.
Time Killer!
One of the most overrated films I’ve seen in ages. IT wasn’t awful, but it certainly wasn’t nearly as good nor original as it was made out to be. Another crazy redneck in the middle of nowhere retread. I kept waiting to see what the big deal was and why it was considered so disturbing and brutal. There are worse ways to spend a Friday evening, but this certainly wasn’t that big of a deal.
this movie makes me scared to go backpacking across australia…the killer was the creepiest character besides penny the clown that i have ever seen! i loved it
A++++++
coming from oz and knowing the back storys for this movie . its one of the best aussie movie
it was alright but a dissapointment because rogue was so awesome.
This movie was all I hoped it would be, gritty and I am sorry for all those who found it predictable, but it was actually quite unpredictable. The character we believe to be the heroine of the film gets turned into a “head on a stick” come on, there is no way that any of you saw that one coming! It was very well done and John Jarrat is one the better villians in horror movies of the past 10 years, that maniacal laugh was spectacular. Any film that make you think twice, even if for a second, about doing something common, like backpacking in a desolate area hits the mark. Great film!
This is a creepy slasher and slashers don’t usually creep me out. This is also based on a true story so that made it scarier! Some of you are saying the first hour was boring! Well you can’t just start with the killings right away you need to get to know the characters and stuff and anyway halloween was boring for the first hour it only livened up at the last half hour and besides this film has much more kick! It’s gory and creepy and your on the edge of your seat the whole way through. The killer is also just brilliant he’s very creepy and pyschotic! I would recomend this film very much it will give you a good scare!
****
Out Of
*****
this movie took an hour to get moving and then sputtered to a complete stop with basicly no ending, sorry but i didnt buy it.
I can’t figure out why there was such praise for this film. I know Tarantino liked it and all that but come on; it just ain’t that good. And it took way too long to get going on top of that. There were some great true life Aussie serial killers; it’s time to have a great Aussie serial killer flick based on one but this ain’t it. Sorry.
I don’t like this but only because it made me feel sick to the stomach. Head on a stick part still makes me feel horrid.
I don’t get the hype for this movie and it wasn’t scary at all…..I feel that theses people got what they deserve because you can’t trust anyone so its not worth renting….I really loath when they make a movie more scary then its suppose to be.
An honestly good slasher, with a great direction and photography. There are images, in the beginning, that seems like a BBC documentary. That tranquilizes you…so that the second half of the movie can hit you hard!
i actually heard from people that this was shitty and it turned out to be one of my favorite horror films. great movie, i love how less people die in this movie than in almost any other horror movie ive seen, but still manages to be scary and be one of the best. Loved it.
i havent seen this movie in a while and just thought i would see what people were saying about it. NOT being an ass or anything i could not disagree with everyone more. Just to get this out of the way before i start so everyone doesnt throw a hissy fit. yes im only 18 and no im not movie ignorant. ok this is what i do with my life. all day everyday so im sure i know what im talking about.
There is no way in hell i am ever watching this movie again. Honestly how could anyone after they seen it. The movie only takes what 6 years to get to the action and then the only thing it has going for it then is it is amazingly bloody.
To me this is the movie i hate the most. Its purely horrible. This movie wouldnt even be good if it was a B-movie. i honestly wish i had the time i watched this movie back so i could do something that actually was worth while.
The begining of this movie was like watching grass grow. It takes forever to get going.
2/10
I don’t understand the hype for this film one bit. Not only does the film take forever to start, trying to get you to like unlikeable characters, but when it gets to the action the characters are so stupid they acctualy deserve what they get! For example who here would watch some crazy guy torturing their friend then distract them with a lound bang in a close procsimity to you? Anyone?………..I thought not. Trust me when I say this film is only good for the violence. I got so bored of this film it has acctualy taken me about 5 times to complete it! To conclude you will regret buying this film as I did!
A scorcher of a movie!
Slow build up, but once the ball gets rolling this is a great horror film. Very gritty and realistic. Awesome bad guy.
This is an excellent horror film!
Instead of the usual obnoxious 20 somethings who quite frankly you can’t wait to see get the chop, you get three very likeable ordinary characters who you actually care about. John Jarratt plays his role with gusto and is one of the best screen screen villians I have seen in years. When you first meet him he is almost likeable himself in an eccentric uncle kind of way with that creepy laugh
There are some great twists and shocking moments that are totally unexpected. The lass who came across as the heroine who you thought would save the day meeting a sudden and brutal end. That wasn’t expected!
Anyone who can make a film this good without resorting to the old horror film *cliches* of sex, nudity, excessive swearing and the villain coming from a trailer trash family; well they deserve a 10/10!
And to think it is based on a true story!
Bloody brilliant!
Misogynist garbage with very little redeeming value.
Brutal, suspenseful, suprising and totally scary! Awesome.
wolf creek is amazingly scary.
you cant find another horror movie quite like this.
it was intense and even though the beginning was a little slow, it was for the reason that the characterization bulds up the intensity and raw horror towards the end.
i also love the fact that only a few people die unlike these other horror movies where a ton of people die.
wolf creek is one of my favorite horro movies.
Predictable as hell.
Hated the villain(though real).
Couldn’t care less bout the characters.
Started off slow, picked up pace a little with the garage scene, then ended with a yawn.
Hey, at least the poster looks great….
Like so many B films of this nature (sexy kids lost in the sticks) this one took a long time to take off, but there are some choice scenes that make it all worthwhile: SPOILER
1) The paralytic knifework on the brunette hotty, and
2) The long-range marksmanship that croaks the remaining character’s escape by highway.
I used to think this movie was just, okay. But wow after giving it a couple of views i have to say its terrefic. Great directing by Greg Mclean and Mick Taylor is really scary. Great Great movie.
loved it, i thought the film was so well shot just brilliant, the gore was amazing and the tension established was something i havent felt watching a horror film in years
Wolf Creek, a simple Austraillian horror, with a twist. This is pure terror at it’s best, Wolf Creek is a powerful true story, with amazing acting, some great, gory death sequences, and an amazing cast! One thing this movie actually did well, was you actually grew to like the characters, and there background, and the main villian is a great actor, he is the modern Freddy! Wolf Creek is scary as hell, gory adventure, with some great plot twists and great one liners to make sure, you’ll want more!
10/10
One of the best! Minus a few inconsistencies, this movie is TCM for this generation.
Very boring movie. I oly likede the “that’s not a knife, this is a knife” thing
I get really frustrated by movies that include a scene where the victim has the bad guy dead in his/her sights and then somehow screws it up. Wolf Creek has one of those scenes and it ruined the movie for me.
Boring. Predictable. And annoying. The only thing this movie has going for it is the cinematography.
One of the best Australian movies I have ever seen in my life, and still is today.
Some parts were scary, gory and just intimidating, especially with a criminal like Mick Taylor (John Jarratt).
10/10
First of all, this movie is not that violent, and there isn’t really any gore. We don’t even get to see any action until the last 20-25 minutes!One more thing is that they should have put at least 5 or 6 lead characters. 3 people who die in a horror movie like this isn’t enough! Anyways, this movie is good enough to watch at least once.
Amazing film. Really chills you to the bone.
Probably the best Australian horror movie, this movie is raw and realistic and never lets up. Some people may get bored from the slow beginning but this part is crucial to make the characters seem real and not just ordinary slasher-fodder.
Then we have a great villain who is like the dark version of Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee rolled into one.
Finally, the incredible environment of the outback really sells the horror as you are far away from civilisation. The cinematography is also beautiful here.
But no, it doesn’t avoid all slasher movie cliches like the victims do some dumb things just to advance the plot (IE looking at the video cameras when she is being chased by the killer).
Overall though quite an excellent and brutal horror movie.
was a okay movie, didnt like it that much
I got my money back from the theater after I explained to the manager that there was no way this could be a true story considering the only survivor was chained up in a cave while everything else was suppose to be going on.So unless he’s clairvoyant there’s no fucking way anyone would know what happened to the girls except them.The only positive thing I can say is that the fictitious killer did a good job at being creepy.A true insult to any intelligent person to believe the based on a true story tag line.Plus the movie is boring as hell to boot.I did enjoy Rogue a whole hell of allot more than this cruel joke of a movie.
a little slow at first but picks up near the end
Really good. It was a little slow at first but really picked up half way through.
Though this film was maligned by Ebert, it is certainly worth a look . . . I found it fascinating, esp. in comparison with other “travelers in peril” flicks such as HOSTEL and TURISTAS . . . actually reminded me of 1970s films such as TCM, HHE and LHOTL. Worth a look.
I didn’t understand what the Hype was about this film. I just don’t. It’s not scary. Not gorey. It’s just a film about a Physcho, A bunch of Backpackers and Survival. A decent film but needs alot of improvement.
I thought it was awesome. It felt very grounded in reality. However, I call bullsh*t on the “Based on true events” tag because thats impossible seeing as the only survivor was chained up alone the entire time everything was taking place.
The killer was also pretty convincing. The whole scenario this movie puts in front of you is scary to even think about.
This movie is all about tension build-up and then pure terror.
If you don’t like/empathize with the two girls and the guy, then you will be disappointed by the whole film. I, however, bought in hook/line/and sinker. I was rooting for the innocent folk.
Let me just say that John Jarratt is one of the most evil, vile villains in film history. He even out does the butt-fucking hillbillies from Deliverance.
Forget Roger Ebert. He wouldn’t know a horror movie if it kicked him in the arse.
Who gives a ripe shit if this was based on true events or not. I think Texas Chainsaw Massacre used a similar tagline, but it was only loosely based on the story of Ed Gein. This movie works and will have you shitting in your drawers if you watch it late at night all by your lonesome.
I just love this movie; loved it the first time I watched it, and every time since. Connection with the characters throughout the whole movie kept me interested. Jarratt was a great villain, totally creepy-feeling-worthy.
Great film. Excellent use of the spooky Australian outback landscape and of course, scary locals. Way better than more popular films like The Hills Have Eyes, in my opinion.
…………………..
When a movie gets my attention right from the start, and doesn’t let up, it’s a classic. Loved the realistic part of the movie. Endless scenes that were unexpected. ( except the inside the car scene). Just great horror all around. VERY enjoyable for a next gener horror movie since I enjoy the Golden Era myself.
AWESOME MOVIE!, Cinematography is amazing, the killer is fun and the gore although minimal is nice and clever. SERIAL KILLERS ARE SNIPERS!!! OHH SHIT RUNN….ohh wait you cant because HE”S GOT A FUCKING RIFLE AND HAS HIS SIGHTS ON YOU!!! HEADSHOT! it can be slow and the survival of the killer is kind of annoying but over all fun and once it picks up the later scenes are awesome. also the jumping between three characters was off putting by a bit and the “true story” thing doesn’t add to anything but its still awesome. SIDES CROCODILE DUNDEE IS AWESOME!
I liked it.I didn’t get the massive amount of love it got, I didn’t love it by know means.It was a bore until the shit hit the fan and then it became a suspense overload thrill ride! But I didn’t like who died and who lived but I guess that was another shock value to it.Not much for me to wright about on this.It was just very mediocre to me.Thrilling but not scary, and that was 30 minutes into it.Just an ok movie.Seen it once and that was enough but I do recommend a rental if u havent seen it.
Great Australian horror film wrote a paper on this for school teacher got pissed off and failed me haha
Wolf Creek is still one of my favorite movies. It’s so convincing and realistic- made me want to never visit Australia. If you can sit through the beginning of it, the end is well worth the wait.
I can almost hear the boo’s and hisses already, but this film does what Open Water tried to do. The actor who plays the villain is amazing! If you were not aware of the plot of this film, you’d never guess what he’s capable of later; he comes off more as a hillbilly samaritan, odd, but in no way dangerous. I loved that the characters come off as very human, not as idiots or survival experts and the situation is very plausible. The only reason I’m not scoring it an 8 is the excessive amount of exposition at the beginning, 20-30 min. could simply be trimmed and you’d still have a good investment in the backpackers. This may be sick to add, but it’s visually breathtaking too.
For me this film is over-hyped, because I went in with high expectations, after hearing from various reviews here that the film was ”brutal” and ”scary”. Plus, the narattor of the tv channel when I watched it described it as ”relentless and harowwing”, with scenes of ”sexual violence” – yet there were none! Annoyed.
Nothing happened in the first 70 minutes for me, other than supossed character development, yet I was left with little sympathy when the killings happened.
The cinematography in the film was at times great, but other than that it didn’t have much going for it.
I would rate it slightly higher otherwise, but the scares were too minimal and short-lived. Basically, I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all, so this film doesn’t win me over. 4/10
This is a decent thriller. A classic cat and mouse picture with a bit of violence thrown in. Believable performances and lots of suspense.
Very over rated, only got good near the end.
Dissapointing film in the whole, never really got the story about the actual killer, would of liked to seen more of him, and the acting was’nt up to standard, some alright heart in the mouth moments when the girls were trying to escape but only really a film to watch if it comes on tv and you’ve got nothing better to do.
this movie is freaky scary, its a need to watch movie it will have u on the hedge of your seat:), awesome story, good acting, bloody good kills and kinda felt bad for the girl who got killed on the highway i was like NO!!! when she died:(, she came so close to making it out:(
Movie is probably the creepiest movie of the last decade. Best way to watch is the uncut version, slightly longer but worth it. The longer version is much creepier and while not scarier it will play on you emotions and make you emphasize with the characters.
This movie is really gritty and dark. It’s really shocking and terrorizing to meet characters you care about and see them die in just horrible ways. This movie just really shocked and scared me. really scary…
Don’t mind predictable, but throw in a load of boring and a lack of horror in my horror, and that is a different story. The setup was too long, and the payoff lacked any suspense or thrill, really–just hillbilly menace and victims that can’t seem to incapacitate a baddie (even if said baddie is KO’d on the ground–usual stuff). Watchable but average, interesting but not overly entertaining. Worth a rental, but have a much better time watching Wrong Turn movies and Storm Warning when it comes to hillbilly killer-thrillers.
what really got me about wolf creek was the gorgeous cinematography. it just pulls you in with all the beauty there is to see in australia. a little slow in the beginning as the movie lets you get to know the characters. but then it really does a good job balancing the realism of the situations with the story. it can’t be easy to do that with a horror film. acting wasn’t great, but the actors did a good enough job to pull it off. i hope to see more of John Jarratt in future as he is one of the best psychopaths on film in a long time. i mean he’s got it down to all of the smallest mannerisms in order to be creepy. some of the scenes will stay with me forever. the scene of the muscle car revving it’s engine is an all time classic. of the gunshots he’s taking at the old man, and how you can see the muzzle flash. and no good movie could be complete with out an awesome soundtrack. i like the sound fx used in the movie because it never gives away what is going to happen next. i think that this is an all time great horror movie and i hope that the director can keep the bar raised high. an absolute must see!!
If you can make it through the first BORING 45 minutes the last 30 minutes are outstanding,Brutal and unrelenting.John Jarrett plays his role very convincingly,and the ending is perfect.
Hated it. This generation’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Not even close.
And yes, John Jarrett gives a powerful performance. Of course, it’s a powerful, realistic performance of a loutish, misogynistic redneck who gets to brutally torture and murder two innocent women while calling them cunts.
That’s not my idea of entertainment. If it’s yours, then I’m very fucking glad I don’t know you.
Great flick. The villain is definitely believable. It could have used a bit more shock horror elements, kinda left me wanting more but overall a fun flick.
It’s an amazing and realistic experience.
Well what can I say about Wolf Creek? It isnt really a horror film in my opinion its more of a suspense/thriller film. I mean the kills when it finally got to them were well thought out and executed but the first hour of the film was slow as fuck! Seriously they really couldnt get to the kills sooner?! All in all I give this film 5/10. It was average in my opinion. Just average.
Just as with movies such as “Hostel”, “Wolf Creek” is a movie that is meant to be enjoyed, yet I find it impossible to be entertained by it. This is a well-made film on a technical level. It’s ambitious and full of inspiration, ideas, and genuine horror. I can’t call it scary, I can’t say it ain’t effective, but I can say that I think it is trash.
Is this what horror films have become these days? Chances for people to film woman getting brutally beaten by sleazy, sadistic men? Why not just made a darned snuff film. Tell me why this is necessary. Tell me why.
The story involves a group of friends who run into the wrong truck-driver one night. He takes them back to his place, has them cornered, and then hunts them. Lots of screaming. Blood and brain-matter everywhere. You get the drift.
This “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” ripoff did not effect me as it wanted to. Yes, it’s violent, sadistic, and horrific. But it’s hard to watch, and not intelligent enough to be admirably uneasy. I’m against censorship; filmmakers should be able to express their artistic vision in whatever ways they want. But “Wolf Creek” is not art. It is pornography. And it must be dealt with in many different ways.
Great ozzy horror.
even though its a tiny bit like texas chainsaw massacre, its not a rip off as its based opn true events. the film is more of a suspense thriller than a horror but its still pretty good. enough scares in it to keep any horror fan happy. good to see australia come up with the goods.
I’ll be totally honest, I don’t remember anything from this movie besides one kill and the fact that I liked it… so that means its a good popcorn muncher but not much else.
Hobo Approved(TM)
I’ve never seen a more convincing and menacing killer. Mick Taylor is more disturbing and traumatizing to me, than many other famous killers. His laugh is haunting and he is merciless. It doesn’t help that he’s also a good shot.
The acting is very convincing. It’s hard to watch at times. Very intense.
John Jarratt was so foul in this movie. To think he was married to Noni from Playschool! I rate this movie because his performance was such a departure from his previously known persona. The victims were also very convincing. As an Australian who has travelled the country extensively, I think this movie was terrifying. There are so many expanses of nothingness that this could really happen. It already has happened. Well done.
My god, this is a terrifying story. My top 10 films will have to increase to a top 20. This is definitely in my top 5 of all time. Director & writer Greg Mclean wrote this fictional story before the events it is based on. Once he was aware about the Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio 2001 true event, Greg combined the real crime with this film to great marketing effect, hence the strapline âe~BASED ON TRUE EVENTSâe(TM).
There are two parallel crimes that could be influential in this film, some of you may actually remember the first true crime that did happen some distance from the real Wolf Creek, actually known as Wolfe Creek, is as follows: Joanne Lees and Peter Falconio were travelling in their van when they were stopped by another man called Bradley John Murdoch, a mechanic who observed that sparks were flying out of the vans exhaust. When checking the exhaust with Peter Falconio while Joanne Lees reved the engine, Joanne heard a gun shot and the next moment Bradley John Murdoch grabbed her and dumped her bound and gagged in his truck. Joanne assumed he went to dispose of Peters dead body. She managed to escape and hid in a bush.
Then Bradley returned looking for her with the assistance of his dog. Eventually he gave up and Joanne managed to get picked up and survived a terrifying ordeal. There was no body or weapon found. The police carried out one of the largest man hunt and did arrest Bradley J. Murdoch. He was sentenced to life imprisonment (28 years) in 2005.
There are many unanswered questions regarding this case. A book was released called âe~No Turning Backâe(TM) by Joanne Lees. I might read this, if you have please let me know if itâe(TM)s well written. The other real life link is that the brilliant onscreen character Mick Taylor (played by the excellent John Jarratt) is based on a real life serial killer called Ivan Milat. He was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences plus another 18 years for picking up seven hitchhikers in New South Wales and torturing before murdering them. This crime is known as âe~The backpacker murdersâe(TM).
When truth is mixed into a story it is unsettling, and you can definitely believe this âe~Wolf Creekâe(TM) film events have or are likely to happen one day. John Jarratt has created one of the most disturbing and nasty characters I have ever seen on film. He is up there with the best. When I came home after seeing this film at the cinema with my good friend Dave, my wife said we looked very pale and quiet. It was because of watching this film. So much time is spent getting to know and understand the close relationships of the three travelling friends, combined with those beautiful shots of Australia…Itâe(TM)s like watching a documentary thatâe(TM)s selling the stunning landscape of Australia.
The characters travel to Wolf Creek…Thatâe(TM)s all you need to know if you have not seen it yet. The violence is so brutal, even the hardest will wince and find themselves looking through fingers, hoping the automatic gesture will lessen the horror. No place to hide in this one because you can actually imagine the events in front of you could be real. Iâe(TM)ve mentioned this film as a comparison several times with other reviews above, thatâe(TM)s because itâe(TM)s a great template for true extreme terror. I canâe(TM)t recommend this experience enough. It is not a film to snuggle up with your partner to watch because they, or you, may be angry for what will be witnessed. There is a romantic, hardly any dialogue, moment between two of the friends that is so well done, it’s emotionally more interesting than other films that are known for their romantic theme. The other moment that I like is at the beginning of the car towing scene…The original music sends a chill up the spine.
So many good stories are set in isolation away from anyone like âe~Alienâe(TM), âe~The Shiningâe(TM) and âe~The Thingâe(TM) come to mind. But if you have the setting in a real place with believable characters that you care about or empathise with, and throw in a truly chilling, intelligent character…you got yourself a winner. âe~Wolf Creekâe(TM) ticks all boxes and annihilates the subsequent cheap movie attempts that fail to recreate actual fear. I recommended ‘Wolf Creek’ to Wayne to watch. He will never let me forget the film ruined his Christmas…
Do not speed read my closing statement: âe~Wolf Creekâe(TM) is nasty and harrowing. I have warned you.
bleedingcritic
bleedingfilms.com
Like others have mentioned, Wolf Creek is a bit slow to get moving but, in my opinion, worth the bit of lag.
I found the character development added greatly to the overall effect the movie had on me, as well as the idea that it was based on a true story. Shows films don’t neccessarily have to pour 10 million + to make a decent movie.
The Ultimate Movie Review! – http://tss5078.blogspot.com – @tss5078 – On the surface, Wolf Creek appears to be just another slasher film, that is until you learn the scary truth. The truth is this film and the majority of the horrible gore and torture actually happened. The story is about one of the worst serial killers in Australian history. A man, who would frequent a remote tourist attraction, disable a vehicle, show up to assist the people, and then drug and torture them for days or even weeks. The film shows one fictional groups encounter with this man and shows just how twisted some people can be. If this were a fictional slasher film, I’d call it nothing special. The fact that it’s based on real events and knowing that a lot of this stuff actually happened, make the movie especially creepy. As far as I’m concerned, the creepier the better!