Wolf Creek is a scary little film about three backpackers whose trip to a crater turns into a hellish nightmare, as they're taken hostage by a rather crazed individual. The plot may seem the same as a million other horror films but it's actually a rather refreshing horror film which doesn't ... Read review
Three backpackers head into the beautiful and isolated Australian outback in a dilapidated ... more
car. After several days of driving, they finally arrive at their destination - Wolf Creek National Park, a mysterious area where a meteorite landed. After explor...
One of the scariest films in years, Wolf Creek is an unforgettable, shocking and ... more
completely visceral experience from first-time director Greg McLean.Three backpackers head into the beautiful and isolated Australian outback in a dilapidated car. After several days of driving, they finally arrive at their destination - Wolf Creek National Park, a mysterious area where a meteorite landed. After exploring the terrain, they discover that their watches don't work and their car won't start. As panic sets in and the trio prepare to spend the night in the middle of nowhere, they notice strange lights emerging from the darkness heading straight for them. So begins the group's encounter with one of the most terrifying madmen in the history of film.Based on terrifying true events, Wolf Creek is a cinematic hand grenade guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
One of the scariest films in years, Wolf Creek is an unforgettable, shocking and ... more
completely visceral experience from first-time director Greg McLean.Three backpackers head into the beautiful and isolated Australian outback in a dilapidated car. After several days of driving, they finally arrive at their destination - Wolf Creek National Park, a mysterious area where a meteorite landed. After exploring the terrain, they discover that their watches don't work and their car won't start. As panic sets in and the trio prepare to spend the night in the middle of nowhere, they notice the headlights of a car emerging from the darkness. So begins the group's encounter with one of the most terrifying madmen in the history of film.Based on chilling true events, Wolf Creek is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
How can you be found when no one knows you're missing? Three friends on a road trip in ... more
the remote Australian Outback are plunged into danger when they accept help from a seemingly friendly local... Greg McLean's truly terrifying thriller is based in part on real events from the infamous 'Backpacker Murders' which plagued Australia's Hume Highway between 1989 and 1992.
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Advantages: A clever, entertaining and different horror film Disadvantages: May be too scary for some
Wolf Creek is a scary little film about three backpackers whose trip to a crater turns into a hellish nightmare, as they're taken hostage by a rather crazed individual. The plot may seem the same as a million other horror films but it's actually a rather refreshing horror film which doesn't follow the usual formula, and may put you off visiting Australia, where the film is set. Although the film is slow to get started once the three backpackers are ... ...peanuts compared to today's blockbusters, Wolf Creek is a solid horror film with some good performances from the young cast.
Kirsty, Ben and Liz are three friends who decide to go hiking in the scenic Wolf Creek National Park in the Australian Outback, intent on visiting the huge crater located there. Having loaded up their car with food and all other essentials, the three of them arrive at Wolf Creek within a few days, with the weather ... more
Wolf Creek is a scary little film about three backpackers whose trip to a crater turns into a hellish nightmare, as they're taken hostage by a rather crazed individual. The plot may seem the same as a million other horror films but it's actually a rather refreshing horror film which doesn't follow the usual formula, and may put you off visiting Australia, where the film is set. Although the film is slow to get started once the three backpackers are taken hostage the movie really picks up some momentum. There is a lot of gore and blood during the final third of the film, including a rather disgusting sequence involving someone's fingers. I'll say no more than this, as I'm sure you get the gist of it. Shot on a budget of $1,000,000, peanuts compared to today's blockbusters, Wolf Creek is a solid horror film with some good performances from the young cast.
Kirsty, Ben and Liz are three friends who decide to go hiking in the scenic Wolf Creek National Park in the Australian Outback, intent on visiting the huge crater located there. Having loaded up their car with food and all other essentials, the three of them arrive at Wolf Creek within a few days, with the weather not too pleasant. Sadly for the young friends trouble is just around the corner, when, having walked back from the Wolf Creek crater, they find that their car won't start. Luckily for the three friends a friendly local bushman called Mick Taylor crosses paths with them and offers them a lift back to his garage. The three friends agree to this, just glad to be back on the road again and not stranded in the wildness. Sadly for Kirsty, Ben and Liz, their troubles have just begun, as Mick is not as friendly as at first glance.
Wolf Creek builds up slowly and steadily; you know something is going to happen but you don't quite know what, with the film leaving you guessing. I feel that horror films following this kind of style are much more entertaining then ones where you know what's going to happen right from the start. The disadvantage to this though is that the film does take a long time to get going, and at some points your mind starts to wonder. Thankfully this soon stops once the three friends get to Wolf Creek, with the tone of the film changing dramatically. Although the film is said to be based on a true story, it isn't actually based on one single event, so the events that take place in this film are wholly fictitious. Some people have suggested it is loosely based on the Peter Falconio incident back in the 1990s, but for me it doesn't need to be based on anything; it's a good solid horror film in its own right.
Without giving too much away it is safe to say that Wolf Creek isn't your play it by numbers horror film, something that for me has been a long time coming, with films such as Scream and The Grudge wearing thin. For me, although the film has some really shocking moments it isn't as terrifying as some critics have claimed, with one particular critic calling the film 'brutal', and acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino calling it the scariest film he's ever seen. I'm a little mystified by these comments, because although the film is really scary at times, it's not so bloody and gore infested that it becomes unwatchable, although the scene involving Ben trying to 'unattach' himself from a wall was very squeamish, and I was lucky to have a blanket to hide under. For me it's nice to have a film that plays around with the horror genre without being afraid to go too far.
Wolf Creek is also a surprising film. Once the three lead characters are taken hostage you obviously expect horrible things to happen to them, but as with many other horror films you can probably predict what will happen next. This doesn't happen here. Wolf Creek keeps you guessing right to the last minute, with the gore factor increasing by the minute. Although there is lots of blood, unlike in films such as Saw II and Hostage, the film isn't bloody just for the sake of being bloody. There are many scary moments in the film, but for me the scariest one is Mick Taylor, played by John Jarratt. You can tell from the moment that he picks the three friends up that there is something not right with him, with Taylor a very warped individual. Not only does he take Ben, Liz and Kirsty hostage but he uses them as his own mini-projects, subjecting them to horrific amounts of violence which increase as the film reaches its conclusion.
Nathan Phillips also puts in a good (if not that memorable) performance as nice guy Ben, with Cassandra Magrath and Kestie Morassi acting also very good, with their performances very realistic during the final third of the film. Like with the Blair Witch Project, this film is made on a shoestring budget, but actually looks really good on screen. Greg McClean direction is really good, and the film has a really crisp and shiny feel to it, and definately doesn't look cheap. I often feel that films such as these where the budget is limited are actually better than horror films with bigger budgets and more established actors, with Wolf Creek no exception. The film will also make you look at Australia a little differently, and open your eyes to the fact that hundreds of thousands of people go missing in the Australian outback every year, even if most of these people are found.
Although horrific and very scary in parts, Wolf Creek, in comparison to many other horror films, is a breath of fresh air, and one to watch for people fed up with lame brain horror films.
Wolf Creek (2005): John Jarratt, Nathan Phillips, Cassandra Magrath, Kestie Morrassi. Directed by Greg McClean.
Advantages: Lots of suspense, very scary Disadvantages: Slow start
...One of these places in Wolf Creek. Wolf Creek is a large crater formed by a 50000 ton meteorite. When the three arrive they spend time there taking in the scenery before making the three hour trek back to their downtrodden car. Unfortunately when they arrive the car wont start. Later that night they receive an offer of help by a local man offering to tow them to his ranch so they can fix the car. Didn’t their parents ever tell them not to accept ... ...the trio finally arrive at Wolf Creek the mood changes, it becomes dark, dreary and raining in order to build tension and let the audience know what’s to come. From then on the film takes a drastic turn for the worst and it really plays with your sense of reality and ultimately the unknown. You don’t see how the three of them end up in the terrible situation they do, it cuts from a shot of them falling asleep to when the nightmare begins. This is ...
Great_reviewer07 27.08.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
Advantages: Keeps you on the edge of your seat, not a typical horror film Disadvantages: Slow to start, pretty gory in places
...the scariest films in years, Wolf Creek is an unforgettable, shocking and completely visceral experience from first time director Greg McLean”
“Three backpackers head into the beautiful and isolated Australian Outback in a dilapidated car. After several days of driving, they finally arrive at their destination – Wolf Creek National Park, a mysterious area where a meteorite landed. After exploring the terrain, they discover that ... ...Based on chilling true events, Wolf Creek is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
Actors: John Jarratt, Catherine Magrath, Andy McPhee,
Kestie Morassi
Directors:
Greg McLean
Format: PAL
Language: English
Number of discs: 2
Classification: 18
Studio: Optimum Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: 16 Jan 2006
Run Time: 94 minutes
Extras:
Main Language: English
Available Audio Tracks: Dolby Digital 5.1
Commentary from Director ...
kinwhat 10.09.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
Advantages: Terrifying, good plot, based on true story Disadvantages: May put you off Australia
...through Australia and stop at Wolf Creek, which is a site where a comet has landed. After spending the day at the creek, they return as it starts to get dark and find their car isn't working (neither are their watches). They struggle to get it started without luck, and then are offered help by a local, Mick, who offers to tow their car back to his and help fix it. They accept gratefully - after all, theres three of them young kids, and one old bloke ... ...had never previously heard of Wolf Creek. It does however go on to give you a commentry at the end, I wont go into that because it will give the game away. The violence itself is on the whole quite convincing and realistic, be that fortunate or not!
As a whole, unless your are very squeamish I'd definetly reccommend you watching Wolf Creek - it has something different to a lot of the typical slasher horrors out at the moment. Go for it!
Was about ...
ice_pink 07.08.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
Advantages: its a good watch Disadvantages: A little slow to start - keep watching though.....
Wolf Creek is said to be loosely inspired by ‘The Backpacker Murders’. Backpacker murderer , Ivan Milat struck in the early 1990’s and the story of ‘Wolf Creek’ is reminiscent of the way Milat carried out these crimes. Three backpackers, Kristy, Ben and Liz set off on a trip through the beautiful Australian outback visiting lots of points of interest in their crappy car. They decide to travel to Wolf Creek National Park, a mysterious area where a ... ...when they return the crappy car will not start. After a while headlights appear and this is when they meet Mick who offers them help with their car. Whilst back at Mick’s home he offers them water which is laced with drugs as a sedative.
The three awake in various different places of the abandons mine Mick calls home and they are then on a cat and mouse mission to save their own lives and the lives of their friends, with Mick the killer hard on ...
theshinyone 19.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
Advantages: Quite tense, and it shows a brutal reality Disadvantages: Was quite slow, and didn't really have alot going on
...go for a walk up Wolf Creek. They return to find that their car won't start, and strangely, their watched have stopped ticking. They are towed back to another Austrailian's dark and creepy place, and they all fall asleep ...
Here, the story is taken from an almost slow Documentray-esque start, to a full out horror flick. We watch as each of the three captives try to escape from the Ozzies.
One disapointing factor of the film is that instead of ... ...or not our heroes are going to escape, we seem to believe that there is no hope ... Although weather or not this is true, you'll have to watch the film.
The usual idiocy featured in horror films when people always go back to the place of their nightmares rather than get as far away from it as possible also returns in this film. And yes, as always, this proves a fatal mistake.
All in all, this film was a slight dissapointment, however, I do recomend ...
Arbobug 12.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
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Advantages: Decent Horror Flick with Independent Charm Disadvantages: 45 minutes to Arrive at the Horror
General
The advertising for WolfCreek (The Poster, the weblinks and the trailer) didn't make me itch to see this film. To be honest the night I rented it I didn't fancy it at all but you do as your told when the other half gets a bee in her bonnet about a film!
I picked up the DVD box and looked at the quotes. Scariest film of the year and really gory. So I was expecting quite an exceptional piece of work.
Did it surpass my expectation?
Sort of.
The Plot
There is a group of 3 young Australian adults (2 females and a male) who set out on a journey to WolfCreek. The purpose of their journey is slightly sketchy but it is assumed that these young adults are keen adventurers and wish to explore and travel the creek.
Then things begin to go wrong. Their car doesn't work and then the film begins it's horror. I won't spoil ...
xerofailure 13.02.2006 (18.02.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
Two English backpackers, Liz and Kristy, are holidaying in Australia where they hook up with a local guy called Ben. Invited to a big party, they decide to buy an old car and drive across country, stopping off to do some sightseeing on the way. The sight they intend to see is WolfCreek, the site of one of the world's largest meteorite craters, renowned for its remote beauty. The car is bought, the bags are packed and the three youths set off on their travels.
When they eventually reach WolfCreek, they are not disappointed. Its enormous majesty reigns over the surrounding landscape and in spite of the miserable weather they find themselves transfixed by the stunning views. Having returned to the car to set off again, however, things don't go so well. The car is completely dead and simply won't start at all. Stuck literally in ...
LostWitness 07.10.2005 (26.12.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
Advantages: The story is believable. Acting is natural. Great photography Disadvantages: Perhaps too much time spent on build-up Some horror clichés.but not overdone
WolfCreek is an Australian film that seems to split the horror fans down the middle, ie those who expect instant gore and action as with much Hollywood rubbish today. Then there are those who appreciate a bit of character development and build up of suspense. As a result many young Americans don't 'get' this film and hate it and find it boring. I know which camp I come from.
WolfCreek is a film of 2 halves.The first half focuses on 3 backpackers in their early 20s on a holiday trip across the desolate Australian Outback. It is done in documentary style with add-libbed dialogue, and has a natural, relaxed and happy feel to it. The location shots are beautifully photographed - one of the film's highlights. Although nothing much seems to happens for the first 30 minutes this is deceptive. You become acquainted and empathise ...
RippedoffPete 30.03.2008 (21.07.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Wolf Creek (DVD)
A trio of friends goes on a road trip in Australia's outback and run into trouble with knife-wielding, slash-happy locals.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
UKNOWN DISTRIBUTOR; SONY DADC
Release date
10/07/2006
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
OPTD 0570
Barcode
5060034576235
Featured
George W. Bush
Languages
Main Language
English
Professional reviews
Review
The scariest film of the year (The Guardian, 12/07/2006)
DVD Description
WOLF CREEK is a grim and disturbing horror film, based on actual events in the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE vein. It's also beautifully shot, with director Greg McLean (in his feature film debut) making the otherworldly majesty of Australia's outback emerge as a part of the story. Cassandra Magrath and Kesti Morassi play the two young British girls travelling with their Aussie friend, Ben (Nathan Phillips), to Wolf Creek, the remote location of a giant meteor crater. When their car breaks down, a jovial, Crocodile Dundee-type named Mick Taylor (John Jarratt) offers to tow them to his even more remote auto camp. What happens next ensures, among other things, that surviving audience members will never think of Crocodile Dundee in quite the same happy way again. In addition to McLean's painterly use of scenery in establishing mood, the film benefits from the slow, methodical build-up of character detail; the actors are given space to develop a believable rapport, something all too rare in this kind of film. The characters are people, not stock slasher-film types, and this makes the ensuing scenes of cruelty and violence all the more unbearable. This is one carefully crafted, genuinely scary horror film.
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