WOLF CREEK
Year: 2005
USA: Dimension Films
UK: Optimum Releasing
Cast: John Jarratt, Cassandra McGrath, Andy McPhee, Kestie Morassi, Nathan Phillips, Gordon Poole, Aaron Sterns, Guy Petersen, Jenny Starwall
Director: Greg McLean
Country: Australia
USA & UK: 99 mins
USA Rated: R for strong gruesome violence, and for language
UK Certificate: 18 contains strong bloody violence and very strong language
USA Release Date: 25 December 2005
UK Release Date: 16 September 2005
Synopsis
Based on terrifying true events, WOLF CREEK is unforgettable, shocking and genuinely scary and is sure to do for Australian horror films what THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE did for the American genre. A cinematic hand grenade, WOLF CREEK unites all the elements of classic horror movies to create a uniquely Australian 'Boogieman" in Mick Taylor. WOLF CREEK is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.
The story begins with three back-packers heading into the isolated Australian outback. After several days of driving (marked by roadkill, a near bar fight, and spooky tales of local UFO sightings), they finally arrive at Wolf Creek National Park and set up camp. The following morning, while preparing to leave, they realise their watches don't work and their car won't start. As panic sets in, they notice strange lights heading straight for them and a friendly local offering help. This is where the real "fun" begins, and the trio must face one of the most frightening madmen in the history of film.
Written and directed by Greg McLean, WOLF CREEK stars John Jarrat (PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK), Cassandra McGrath in only her second big screen performance, Kestie Morassi and Nathan Phillips - currently one of Australia's busiest feature film actors.
Unlike traditional slasher films, this shocking new breed of horror crafts three-dimensional characters and fashions great performances out of the cast whilst maintaining elements of classic horror - few characters, an isolated setting and a unique monster.
WOLF CREEK is not based on any one story or case but echoes some of the elements of recent crimes of hideous unparalleled violence and brutality. Australia, once the world's favourite beach suddenly became a place where lonely, deranged men stalked empty highways, crimes which stunned Australians and terrified International onlookers.