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You’re Next Review

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Director: Adam Wingard.

Starring: Sharni Vinson, Ti West, Barbara Crampton, Nicholas Tucci, AJ Bowen, Larry Fessenden, Wendy Glenn, Joe Swanberg, Rob Moran.

Running Time: 96 minutes.

Certificate: 18.

Synopsis: When a gang of masked, axe-wielding murderers descend upon the Davison family reunion, the hapless victims seem trapped… until an unlikely guest of the family proves to be the most talented killer of all.

It’s rare to see an effort in the slasher genre that feels so fresh after all these years, yet director Adam Wingard has pulled off something quite remarkable with his latest effort, YOU’RE NEXT. His previous work on low-budget horrors A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE and V/H/S, has certainly found him his fair share of fans, without really breaking any new ground or that essential mainstream mark. However, if this homage to days of yonder for simple silent masked maniacs is anything to go by, Wingard has a very bright future thanks to a brilliant, bleak and brutal suspense flick that is both surprisingly hilarious and wholly original, this despite the overly familiar premise.

The film centres on a dysfunctional family reunion as millionaire Mum (cult genre actress Barbara Crampton) and Dad (Rob Moran) prepare for sons and daughters, as well as their respective other halves, to arrive and help celebrate their 35 year anniversary at one of their expensive retreats. Each are well rounded and bring their own uniquely conflicted personalities to the table (literally) as we get to know each of them with natural dialogue flowing to assure you know who’s the asshole, who’s the hero(ine) and the undertone of something not quite right in this distant family unit, all before the shocking assault from these mysterious and unnerving animal-masked assailants during a frenetic final hour.

Certainly a lot of credit must go to screenwriter Simon Barrett, who like so many others, borrows heavily from the masters of the genre as does Wingard. Yes, there are obvious nods to classics like HALLOWEEN and more the recent THE STRANGERS, but it’s a bold step to equally throw in ingenious plot twists that never cheat or insult the audience, followed by a rousing ferocious finale. If anything, the humour throughout recalls Wes Craven’s groundbreaking 90s hit horror SCREAM, but it’s also worth mentioning the playful festive favourite, HOME ALONE, for an innovative spot of inspiration!

What YOU’RE NEXT boasts is a genuine host of surprises, none more so than Australian stunner Sharni Vinson in a performance that must surely make her an actress to watch. Her character is the young girlfriend to AJ Bowen’s teacher Crispian, who, along with the rest of the family, are forced to defend their castle from the marauding presence outside (and in). All the while, Vinson’s cool-headed survivalist takes it all in her stride and leaves the in-laws stunned at the mystery behind her skill set. Filmmaker and actor Joe Swanberg – who’s frequently collaborated with Wingard on a number of projects – is superb as the smarmy brother, too, and suffers a few (welcome) wince-inducing moments during the torturous invasion that are also brilliantly gut-busting.

So far, 2013 has seen few genre gems, but YOU’RE NEXT is there to be beaten as the best of the year without doubt. Yes it’s chock full of suspenseful blood and brutality, but it’s also an intelligent thrill ride that many will revisit for the sheer enjoyment and not just to see heads roll… or caved in. Cameos from the likes of cult favourites Ti West and Larry Fessenden will also please genre fans.

A truly visceral, vicious and devious delight.

4 Stars YOU’RE NEXT is released in UK cinemas on Wednesday 28th August.

 

Craig was our great north east correspondent, proving that it’s so ‘grim up north’ that losing yourself in a world of film is a foregone prerequisite. He has been studying the best (and often worst) of both classic and modern cinema at the University of Life for as long as he can remember. Craig’s favorite films include THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, JFK, GOODFELLAS, SCARFACE, and most of John Carpenter’s early work, particularly THE THING and HALLOWEEN.

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