WRONG TURN

Chris was heading to a job interview, but an accident on the state highway led him to venture down a small road through the woods: a fatal distraction caused him to hit a car blocked in the middle of the road. The owners of the struck vehicle had themselves interrupted their journey due to a hole, caused by a strip of barbed wire found on the asphalt. All the accident victims move in search of help and come across a dilapidated house surrounded by dozens and dozens of damaged cars. They later discover that in that area live three monstrous men who hunt tourists and campers to rob and eat their flesh. For the boys, it will be a fight for survival. It immediately becomes evident that this film is born from a mix of cannibalistic-rural ingredients in a bucolic setting, all close to the style of the 1970s. There are clear references to "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" (the house of horrors where the 3 monsters live and the chases in the forest), "The Hills Have Eyes" (the 3 cannibal monsters resulting from natural mutilations) and "The Burning" (the locations and the tight fight for survival). "Wrong Turn" is therefore a successful revival experiment, characterized by a tight pace (focused a lot on action) and the desire to surprise and provoke horror in the audience. The film contains several moments of sensationalistic and happily gratuitous violence: among the cult scenes of the film, the episode in which the three monsters return home, while the four unfortunate boys are hidden inside and helplessly witness the dismemberment of a previously captured friend; or the long sequence of the chase on the trees when one of the victims is surprised from behind while leaning against a trunk and is beheaded with the axe: we see her body fall from the tree while her head remains attached to the blade of the weapon. Technically, the film in question respects the canons of the genre: direction sometimes flat, sometimes dedicated to the sought-after and funambulistic framing; predictable but effective screenplay in its simplicity; discreet performances ranging from the mediocre and inexpressive Desmond Harrington in the role of the protagonist (already seen in "The Hole" and "Ghost Ship") to the beautiful Eliza Dushku ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"; "Soul Survivors") in the role of the damsel in danger. A special mention goes to the excellent makeup effects, curated by the brilliant Stan Winston, the legendary creator of monsters of the caliber of "Terminator" and "Predator". In fact, the three cannibal monsters of "Wrong Turn" are one of the strong points of the film: repugnant and scary just right, but also incredibly realistic, since they were created by studying real subjects affected by mutilations. Among the trio, the one who stands out for meanness and charisma is Three Fingers, played by an unrecognizable Julian Richings ("Cube"; "Urban Legend"): a monster with three fingers in one hand, very thin and fast who expresses himself with giggles and frequently emits a chilling scream. In conclusion, "Wrong Turn" is a good level horror, fast and adrenaline-filled, characterized by a consistent dose of gore and a trio of "villains" from the anthology. Recommended as a device for a hot summer evening, to enjoy with friends, beer and popcorn.