DVD | Wolf Creek

Rating: R18 - Contains Sadistic Violence, Sexual Themes & Offensive Language.
Duration: 94 mins.
Genre : Horror.
Actors: Nathan Phillips, John Jarratt, Kestie Morassi, Cassandra Magrath.
Release Date: Available now.

What happens when 3 backpackers breakdown in a remote outback location? A friendly bushman by the name Mick comes to their help, of course.

But not all is, as it seems, in this disturbing fictional tale inspired by Australia’s ‘Backpack Killer’ in the 1990’s.

The first half of the movie is pretty ho hum – it’s one big build up to the gritty, emotionally charged horror climax, where we get to see into the eyes of a cold blooded killer with no sense of reality or fear of being discovered.

First time director Greg McLean, manages to pull one out of the bag by creating not only a movie that impressed Quentin Tarantino, but also one that is visually as stunning as a tourist advert.

Of course the scenic beauty takes a back seat once the killing begins – it’s at this point that our Crocodile Dundee figure Mick, takes Australian cinema to new highs (or lows, depending on who you are).

If you’re in the slightest bit squeamish, stay clear of Wolf Creek. But if you like to spend your movie watching time hovering on the edge of terror, then this is for you.

Food for thought
Movies rely on an emotional response for viewer enjoyment. Is fear an appropriate emotional tool for entertainment?