Wolf Creek

Supposedly based on true events, Wolf Creek is about the abduction and torture of three friends backpacking across Australia. Wolf Creek, like The Blair Witch Project and The Strangers, drew attention by being "based on true events." While there is no particular incident that is the basis for the movie, Australian killer Ivan Milat was inspiration for the movie. Milat abducted backpackers, tortured them, then buried their bodies in a forest. This is not exactly what happens in the film, but it is close enough that it makes me never want to go backpacking down-under.

Wolf Creek is also a terrifying movie because of the gritty images. Like so many movie I've reviewed, Wolf Creek is very reminiscent of the dirtiness of 1970's horror films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It is filmed to look like the viewer is actually in the movie, suffering along with the characters. And the gore is not obscene, or in-your-face like many new horror releases, but it looks realistic and there is just enough that it looks like the actors are truly bleeding. However, the images would not have worked if the plot itself had not been frightening enough. While the idea of a "backpack" killer is hardly a "shocking, new idea!", the fact that this backpack killer is so friendly and personable is truly terrifying. The killer kindly offers help to the characters, gives the food and drink, the brutally tortures them.

The acting was also incredible. Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morassi, and Nathan Phillips portray the anger and fear of the characters beautifully. They screamed and cried as if they were truly in pain. However, the movie was only effective because of one actor: John Jarratt. Jarratt starred as the crazed killer Mick and his ability to portray friendly and terrifying all at the same time was what caused the movie to frighten viewers around the world.

Wolf Creek is a brutal film and is not an easy movie to watch. However, if you can stomach the horrible torture scenes, it is truly a beautiful horror film.

-H