Back in 2005 the Australian film Wolf Creek wowed and astounded audiences– spawning a cult following and a sequel nearly 10 years later– with its vicious killer and thrilling suspense. Now in 2016, Wolf Creek and the iconic Mick Taylor (John Jarratt, reprising his role) return for a six-part television event.
The mini-series Wolf Creek premiered its first episode on October 14 and will air every Friday at 10pm PT/ET for the remaining five episodes (episode two premieres October 21). Inspired by the 2005 cult film, Wolf Creek drags viewers into a new journey and new directions focusing on the character of Eve Thorogood (Lucy Fry from Hulu’s 11.22.63), an American college student. Eve, and her family, are targeted by Mick Taylor, with only Eve surviving the impulses of the vicious psychopath. But Eve isn’t one to play the helpless victim and let things go. Instead of returning to America, Eve Adamantly traverses the arid outback to hunt down her tormentor.
On the second evening of Screamfest LA, a screening of the second episode was held with John Jarratt in attendance followed by a lively, and expletive filled, Q&A soon after hosted by Screamfest ambassador Lydia Hearst. Here is the review for Episode two of “Wolf Creek” titled ‘Kutyukutyu.’
Episode two continues where the inaugural episode left off with Eve (Lucy Fry) escaping with detective Sullivan Hill’s (Dustin Clare) case file, which might help in finding the sadistic Mick Taylor (John Jarratt). Taking justice into her own hands, Eve drives around a barren Western Australia aimlessly looking for Taylor. In the process she has a run-in with the worst the arid outback has to offer– which includes salivating men lusting over the lonely nineteen year old. Mick Taylor on the other hand, unbeknownst he’s being tracked, goes about hunting and gutting kangaroos, searching for his favorite game to hunt: people.
Distraction and lack of focus is the ultimate detriment for Eve when she smashes into the back of a police car and is subsequently arrested for possession of marijuana (which she didn’t know was in her van). It doesn’t take Eve too long to figure a way out of this conundrum and is soon on the trail once again, with detective Hill on her heels in an attempt to stop her.
Despite making its transition to television, Wolf Creek is a work of art that belongs on the big screen and, so far, a wholly cinematic experience. Apart from its breathtaking cinematography the series promises a gritty style and cynical perspective that will carry throughout the show’s entire narrative Playing more like a western than it does something out of the horror genre, Wolf Creek, features expansive panoramic compositions that encompass the grandeur of the outback, reducing our characters to specks in the wind. As Eve hunts her former tormentor she treks through barren and dusty towns where denizens congregate in bars, escaping the heat, and the cruelty of the natural world.
As cruel as wildlife and meteorological conditions may be, they are no match to what people, more specifically men, can do. Wolf Creek depicts a society where women are held with lesser regard than their male counterparts and are constantly threatened by the sexual and violent impulses of men. In Eve we get a strong woman forced to take command of a situation beyond her comfort zone, rising to the top of a misogynist world. This forces Wolf Creek to stand apart from previous renditions in the franchise because it thrust’s a strong female lead in what is, essentially, a revenge thriller.
Pop Network’s Wolf Creek is must see television and is perhaps the television event of the year. It’s a pleasure, and treat, to watch Jarratt reprising his role as the intriguing psychopath Mick Taylor. Up and coming star, Lily Fry in the lead truly elevates the show to new heights, in a show that features a strong female lead in an unexpected way; this show is a bold new direction for the franchise.
You can catch Wolf Creek on Fridays at 10 PT/ET on Pop (check your local listings). Check out the official trailer below.
Wolf Creek is executive produced by creator and director of the first two films, Greg McLean. In conjunction with Lionsgate TV and Zodiak Rights, Wolf Creek will be a six-part limited series television event. The series is produced by Screentime and Emu Creek Pictures and is shot on location in Australia.
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