The most unsettling horror films are those that delve into the darker aspects of reality, opting not for supernatural entities, zombies, or alien monsters, but instead basing their premise on something that could happen in real life. Some films, to varying degrees, actually draw inspiration from true events; one such example is Wolf Creek, a 2005 Australian film written and directed by Greg McLean.
McLean's script was partially inspired by the case of Ivan Milat, Australia's most notorious serial killer who preyed on backpackers in the outback between 1989 and 1993. Additionally, the film draws from the harrowing 2001 disappearance and murder of Peter Falconio. The plot is set in 1999, when three friends – two young English female tourists Liz Hunter (played by Cassandra Magrath), Kristy Earl (played by Kestie Morassi), and their Australian male friend Ben Mitchell (played by Nathan Phillips) – are traversing the Australian coast when they find themselves stranded in the remote Wolf Creek National Park. Their car has broken down, leaving them stranded. By seemingly happy coincidence, a benevolent local named Mick Taylor (played by John Jarratt) just happens to arrive with a truck, offering to tow them away to a nearby abandoned mine. This act of kindness quickly devolves into a nightmare as Mick's true nature is revealed – he has spiked their drink with drugs, rendering them helpless. Liz awakens to find herself bound and discovers that Kristy is being brutally tortured by the sadistic Mick. With her wits and resourcefulness, she must try to survive and rescue her friends from this monstrous predator's clutches.
Wolf Creek was McLean's feature debut, made with a low budget on digital camera with most shots hand-held. This approach added to the film's realism and unease for the audience. The narrative is divided into two parts – the first being a slower-paced introduction to the protagonists, allowing audiences to become invested in their fate; the second part depicting their ordeal.
McLean expertly utilises the desolate locations of the Australian outback, accentuating the protagonists' vulnerability against both nature and monsters that, in this particular case, take a human form. The casting of John Jarratt as Mick Taylor proves to be a masterstroke – one of Australia's most prolific character actors and popular television personality brings an unnerving intensity to this iconic role.
McLean also subverts some of the horror genre's tropes, particularly those of the slasher subgenre. A surprise finale alters the traditional Final Girl archetype, adding unpredictability to an already unsettling experience.
Wolf Creek premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, garnering much attention. However, US critics were divided and didn’t share enthusiasm of their colleagues in McLean’s native Australia – while many praised its realism and Jarratt's performance, others accused McLean of pandering to the "torture porn" trend with graphic violence, including torture and mutilation in scenes that made some viewers walk out of theatres. Some critics also claimed that McLean borrowed his concept from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and accused him of misogyny due to his unflattering treatment of female characters.
In spite of the controversy, Wolf Creek was a huge success, allowing McLean to continue his career mainly within the horror genre. A sequel, Wolf Creek 2, followed in 2013, with Jarratt returning as Mick Taylor. In 2016, the character was brought to life again in a television series which ran for two seasons.
Wolf Creek is a horror film that confronts audiences with the darkest aspects of human nature, mining real-life horrors for its narrative fuel. While some of the criticism is valid, McLean's unflinching vision has left an indelible mark on the genre. If you dare to face your own deepest fears, this Australian nightmare may just leave you shaken to the core.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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