Review by Stephanie Scaife
It’s been eight years since our introduction to Mick Turner (John Jarratt) in Greg McLean’s incredibly grim outback horror Wolf Creek, and now he’s back to unleash yet more xenophobic carnage on unsuspecting tourists. Being that the original was the highest grossing R18+ (equivalent to NC-17) movie in Australian history, it’s perhaps not all that shocking that we’ve been given a second outing; what is surprising, however, is that both Jarratt and McLean have returned for the sequel and that it’s actually rather good.
Wolf Creek was a very dark and disturbing film with relentless, realistic horror that proved to be a tough watch for even the most ardent horror fan, the undercurrent of black humour from Mick only adding to the general feeling of unease throughout. Those looking for a repeat of this experience experience may be slightly underwhelmed by number two, however, because what we get instead this time is an over the top comedy that follows the golden rules of the horror sequel by turning everything up to 11 – more extravagant deaths, more blood and more laughs. So as long as you are okay with that, then there is a lot to enjoy here and you won’t be disappointed.
The first film took an interesting approach by changing the point of view between the three protagonists as they are pursued and killed by the pig-hunting serial killer, and now the focus is switched solely to Mick as he hacks his way through various hitchhikers and pretty much anyone else who gets in his way. This offers a distinct tonal shift and you are not particularly encouraged to care about the victims; they are essentially there as cannon fodder to be sliced and diced through at great speed and with plenty of aplomb. This could also perhaps explain the lesser rating in Autralia (although it’ll undoubtedly still be an 18 in the UK). There are some traffic cops that decide to wind up the wrong guy, with decidedly amusing results that include a ridiculous slaughterfest and a sly nod to Babe with a well placed, “That’ll do, pig” from Mick; a couple of German hitchhikers that are quickly dispatched with; and finally “pommy bastard” Paul (Ryan Corr) who tries to win his captor over by displaying his knowledge of Australian history, in what is perhaps the funniest scene in the film. But that is essentially it and any real sense of plot has given way to simple carnage.
Wolf Creek 2 is essentially a series of set pieces that become increasingly more elaborate – notable mention needs to go to a high speed chase where some unfortunate kangaroos inadvertently get in the way and the subsequent marsupial massacre that unfolds. There is more blood, guts and inappropriate humour than you can shake a stick at and the whole thing is very tightly executed, despite losing the tension and horror of the first film, making this one of the stronger and most fun horror sequels that I’ve seen in some time. If you are looking for something to watch on a Friday night with your mates and a few beers then you could do a lot worse than this.
Already released in Australia, Wolf Creek 2 is currently available on VOD in the US before a limited theatrical release from May 16th – no UK release details have been announced yet to the best of our knowledge.