DVD - Wolf Creek
Wed 12 April 2006
Michelle McLochlan, Journalism
Wolf Creek may be one of Australia’s best made horror films, and is worthy of this accolade due to remarkable writing, fine acting and superb cinematography.
Before driving on a road trip outback to Wolf Creek in Western Australia, writer and director Greg McLean cleverly invites audiences in initial scenes to get to know the three central characters; British backpackers Kristy and Liz (Cassandra Magrath and Kestie Morassi) and Sydneysider Ben (Nathan Phillips) before slamming audiences with shocking scenes that lie ahead.
Wolf Creek may just be a stepping stone that could spell success for any one of its rising young actors. Budding talent Magrath, Morassi and Phillips all put in gruelling stomach-wrenching performances which leave audiences with their eyes glued to the screen.
The trio drive past various outback towns highlighting some of Australia’s beautiful landscape and eventually make it to Wolf Creek, the site of a huge meteor crash. They think a three hour walk and sudden rain are going to be the most of their troubles.
If only they knew.
On their return they uncannily discover that their watches have stopped and their car won’t start, with no choice but to camp out in it for the night.
Along comes the real star of the film Mick Taylor (John Jarratt) who offers the young naive travellers a chance to fix the car if they return to his camp.
They wake up the next morning bound and gagged.
What lies in the scenes ahead is a terrorising account of torture and games, lead by Jarratt with his trademark laugh that would make the hairs stand up on the back of anyone’s neck. But once again, this film is well written and grips audiences to the very end.
Jarratt is the experienced and more seasoned actor of this film and without him, perhaps Wolf Creek may not have taken off as well as it has.
A graduate from the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Jarratt shines through his mad psychotic character which deservers an award. A lover of Holden V8 cars, and without giving too much away, one of Jarratt’s very own features in the film.
While this movie is a huge stepping stone for the Australian Film Industry, it may be at odds with the Australian tourism industry.
After watching this movie, backpackers may, a big emphasis on that word, just may be a tad terrified of heading into the quiet and supposedly calm Australian outback.
Despite this, Wolf Creek is an outstanding movie and a must for anyone to see. Based on a true story this film leaves audiences guessing to the very end just who the survivor of this ordeal is.
Image(s) designed by N/A
Enter comments about this article
Submitted Comments
Great PR spin. This movie lacked everything you said was good about it.
The only reason this can claim to be a great Australian horror movie is because it is the only one made. Unless of course you count The Craic,which, in terms of acting and storyline, was a horror to watch.
Brad