Director: Rob Schmidt

Writer: Alan B. McElroy

Cast: Desmond Harrington, Eliza Dushku, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Jeremy Sisto, Kevin Zegers

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Adventure

Country/Region: USA, Germany

Language: English

Runtime: 84 minutes

Release Date: May 30, 2003

IMDb: Wrong Turn

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10 (from 94,000+ ratings)

Douban Rating: 6.7/10 (from 53,668 reviews)

Plot Summary:

Wrong Turn is a gripping blend of horror, thriller, and adventure, weaving two seemingly unrelated storylines into a terrifying survival narrative.

Chris (Desmond Harrington) is a young man on a tight schedule, tasked with an urgent job interview in Raleigh, North Carolina. What should be a routine drive turns disastrous when a chemical truck overturns, causing a massive traffic jam. Left with no other options, Chris decides to take a detour through a secluded backroad.

Meanwhile, five friends—Jesse (Eliza Dushku), Carly (Emmanuelle Chriqui), Scott (Jeremy Sisto), Evan (Kevin Zegers), and Frances (Lindy Booth)—are heading into the mountains for a camping trip. When their car unexpectedly blows a tire, they wait for help, only to collide with Chris’s car.

What was supposed to be a simple rescue mission turns into a deadly game when the group, along with Chris, is lured into the deadly territory of two inbred cannibal brothers who have set up grotesque traps in the wilderness. What follows is a race for survival, where the group must fight not only for their lives but against the brutal instincts of the cannibals who stalk them.

Highlights:

• Brutal Violence: The film’s horror stems from the cannibalistic brothers and their gruesome traps, creating a bloody and terrifying atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
• Psychological Suspense: Beyond the visual shocks, the movie delves into the characters’ mental states as they face impossible choices, heightening the tension between them. The sense of distrust and growing paranoia amplifies the dread of being trapped in such a desolate place.
• Isolation and Survival: The sense of isolation on an abandoned backroad and the group’s desperation to find help deepens the terror. The once ordinary road becomes a death trap, capturing the hopelessness and fear of the characters as they try to outwit their captors.

Reception:

Wrong Turn became a cult classic in the horror genre, praised for its intense thrills and bloody terror. Though the plot is relatively simple, it delivers a visceral experience, especially for fans of gore and suspense.

• IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
• Douban Rating: 6.7/10 (Recommended)
• Pros: The film is filled with moments of shock and bloodcurdling suspense. The characters’ motivations and the tension between them keep the audience on edge.
• Cons: While Wrong Turn is effective in delivering violence and terror, some viewers may find it repetitive. The excessive gore may be too much for those who prefer a more subtle approach to horror.

Final Thoughts:

Wrong Turn is a quintessential horror thriller, perfect for those who enjoy shocking violence, psychological tension, and a race for survival. It may not be the most complex narrative, but it grips the viewer with its relentless terror and grim atmosphere. If you’re a fan of horror that tests your limits, Wrong Turn is a movie you won’t forget easily.