PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Many of us grew up with the Wrong Turn franchise, and know that those films hold a special place in our hearts. Although I was hesitant about the announcement for the reimagining of Wrong Turn, the trailer, poster, and stills looked promising. The film was directed by Mike P. Nelson (read our interview with him HERE) with a screenplay written by Alan B. McElroy. It has a killer cast including Charlotte Vega (Another Me), Adain Bradley (All About the Washingtons), Bill Sage (We Are What We Are), Emma Dumont (The Gifted), Dylan McTee (Midnighters), Daisy Head (Underworld: Blood Wars), Tim DeZarn (Cabin in the Woods), and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things franchise).
Synopsis for the Wrong Turn
Backwoods terror and nerve-jangling suspense meet when Jen (Charlotte Vega) and a group of friends set out to hike the Appalachian Trail. Despite warnings to stick to the trail, the hikers stray off course—and cross into land inhabited by The Foundation, a hidden community of mountain dwellers who use deadly means to protect their way of life. Suddenly under siege, Jen and her friends seem headed to the point of no return— unless Jen’s father (Golden Globe nominee Matthew Modine) can reach them in time.
This film exceeded my expectations. I love the contemporary setting and the story is unique and stands out strongly from the original franchise. Wrong Turn has an incredibly diverse and progressive cast that complemented the storyline. The twists and turns were on point, and the cinematography, makeup, and costume design were fantastic.
When I say that this story stands out strongly from the original franchise, it’s both a compliment and a slight downfall. The storyline is amazing. It’s refreshing, unique, and it delivers a horrifying backwoods story that reminds me of a mix of things like The Wicker Man meets The Texas Chain Saw Massacre meets The Hills Have Eyes. However, it does not remind me of the Wrong Turn franchise at all beyond taking place in the backwoods and the characters simply taking a wrong turn which can be the generic description for countless horror movies.
Although I think the title may have helped sell the film, it could also be its downfall. Audiences may go in thinking it will relate to the original, and it really doesn’t at all. It’s a brilliant standalone film that I hope others will give a chance and appreciate the film for what it is versus what it is branded to be.
Many newer films try to go the progressive and diverse route. This can be said for many Blumhouse films, especially the new Black Christmas and The Craft. Representation matters, and I believe we’re on the right track. However, despite loving the idea of films doing this, it’s often overdone and cheesy and takes away from the story much like the two films mentioned above. The Wrong Turn does it right, though, and everything about the cast is perfect. The characters have great chemistry and while they may look like the perfect group of young adults, they are riddled with flaws and insecurities… aka human. Everything is sunshine and rainbows until their perfect safe worlds are turned upside down and their true colors are revealed. You can easily see who favors who, and who they find dispensable.
All of the performances are great, but Charlotte Vega’s character drives the film and her performance is exceptional. Her character goes through quite the transformation throughout Wrong Turn, proving her strength and determination and showing that you should never judge a book by its cover. Matthew Modine never fails to deliver quality performances and this is one of his best. He played a strong-willed, loving father who wouldn’t accept no for an answer. Also, Bill Sage plays the most perfect villain… charming yet sadistically ruthless. I also love Tim DeZarn’s character. It is almost like an extension of his character from Cabin in the Woods. It is perfect, he is great, and the film wouldn’t have been the same without him.
The film delivers oodles of twists and turns, keeping the viewer at the edge of their seat, never knowing what to expect next. In doing so, though, the Wrong Turn is a tad too long. It doesn’t bother me too much, but I know for others, they felt it dragged on a little too long, and I understand where they’re coming from. Sometimes doing this can result in the viewer losing interest and the excitement from the suspense and mystery going away. But overall, the length doesn’t take away from the story, and any downfalls are made up for by the stunning cinematography, superior special effects, and a killer costume design. All of this combined makes for a hauntingly beautiful horror story that doesn’t disappoint.
Final Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by this film and will, hands down, be purchasing a copy for my collection. It takes the subgenre of backwoods horror stories to a whole new fucked up level. Saban Films will release the Wrong Turn via On Demand, Digital, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 23, 2021. Be sure to check it out!
