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Wolf Creek poster

Wolf Creek (2005)

2005 • 1h 39m • Horror, Thriller • R
On September 22, 2026
#31991
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All reviews

John Chard on Wolf Creek

7/10 · Oct 23, 2019

I won’t tell you what happens – if I did, I’d have to silence you! The story follows three young people traveling through the Australian outback, searching for Wolf Creek, a place said to hold a crater created by a meteorite impact. After completing their quest, they experience car trouble and, fearing isolation, are relieved when Mick appears as though to offer assistance. Initially seeming friendly, Mick’s behavior becomes increasingly peculiar as night falls, and then the travelers fall asleep... Directed and written by Greg McLean, this Australian film begins with a warning that it's inspired by actual events. The filmmakers clearly aimed to shock viewers with its raw and authentic feel; however, it should be noted that the movie is actually compiled from various ideas based on real-life killers such as Bradley John Murdoch and John Bunting. Setting aside claims of reality, the core question becomes whether or not it’s genuinely good. McLean has created a truly disturbing film, one that didn't quite live up to the hype when it was released in theaters back in 2005. Now that the promotional buzz—taglines like "A new dawn in terror" and “Reality is here”—have faded, what’s left?. McLean effectively builds suspense by allowing viewers to get acquainted with his three protagonists before introducing Mick Taylor from outback stage right – a larger-than-life villain and one of the more memorable and frightening creations of recent times. John Jarratt delivers an excellent performance as Taylor, shattering the image of the cheerful Aussie bushman and becoming everything “Crocodile Dundee” is not (a comparison made in a particularly uncomfortable scene). Then the terror begins; grim violence and unsettling dialogue combine seamlessly, all filmed in a documentary style using Hi-Def DV. However, with this plot progression, where familiar escape attempts begin to surface, comes frustration that often plagues horror films. One chance for Liz Hunter, an opportunity anyone would have taken, is unbelievable, but I suppose if logic prevailed there wouldn't be an ending—an ending designed to convince us that what we’ve just witnessed actually occurred... The final section feels a bit rushed, which is disappointing given the time spent with the three likable and believable young people. It comes across more like a quick scare than the prolonged experience of terror that McLean and his team intended. Nevertheless, it works, and importantly, it frightens and keeps you engaged. The acting is strong, despite some questionable British accents, with the female actors (Cassandra Magrath & Kestie Morassi) particularly convincing in their portrayals of genuine fear. The film is surprisingly beautiful at times, showcasing vivid red sunsets and the crisp desert twilight thanks to Will Gibson’s excellent cinematography. Wolf Creek won't stand up to repeated viewings, but it remains an effective horror movie, and Mick Taylor, portrayed by Jarratt, is a character unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. 7/10

Source on TMDB

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