The night is foggy. Your dysfunctional family settles down for a celebratory feast. Somehow, over the shouts of your brothers fighting, you hear a rustle in the nearby woods. Within a matter of seconds, the chaotic night turns catastrophic. You see a man in a wolf mask outside your window with a crossbow. This is the exact setting of the beginning scenes of You’re Next. Sounds ridiculous, right?
Wrong! I had the exact same mindset on Friday evening when I went to see this film; however, I left in awe. This gory film is rated R for violence, language, and minimal sex scenes. It put the slash in slasher films. You’re Next beat the stereotypical predictability in horror films: there are many twists throughout the movie, and many laughs. The movie wasn’t exactly fear-striking, but more shocking and disgusting.
When Crispian (A.J. Bowen) and his girlfriend Erin (Sharni Vinson) go to visit his parents’ secluded home, they expect no conflict, or at least nothing more than petty arguments with Crispian’s arrogant brother, Drake (Joe Swanburg). Once all the siblings and their significant others arrive, the night takes a turn for the worse. When murder is the new event on the agenda, Erin shows off her unique set of survival skills.
You’re Next is not for the weak-hearted, nor for those looking for an easy night. You will leave with sore muscles from jumping out of your seat and with a sore stomach from all the bloody scenes. The excessive mourning and extreme dramatization was comical to many viewers. The acting was great; however, the props were not as impressive. In particular—the fake blood. In some scenes, it was like the equivalent to throwing tomato soup on the wall.
Overall, You’re Next, directed by Adam Wingard, is a must-see for any action, thriller, or even dry comedy seekers. I would definitely recommend seeing this movie, but leave the younger ones at home. Adults will be struggling with nightmares from the big bad wolf, no need distorting the minds of children with images of the baaaaad sheep.
