This film is not recommended for the following filmgoers:The squeamish - after a slow build-up it is unrelenting in its tension and violence (how can we ever hear the term "head on a stick" again without wincing?); television viewers who enjoyed John Jarratt on lifestyle programs and think he is a nice bloke - his portrayal of the Good Samaritan' who helps out some backpackers stranded by car trouble in the middle of nowhere is outstanding; rain water aficionados - there may not be anything like "rain water straight from the top end", but you will stick to bottled water after this; tourism chiefs who have spent millions of dollars promoting Australia to the world only to see holidaymakers switch to New Zealand as soon as the final credits roll.

Wolf Creek is one of the most terrifying films I have seen. This stems from the realism in the situation faced by the backpackers, and their responses. It is billed as a horror film. However, horror often implies some implausibility in the situation (eg. a mythical creature such as a werewolf). Unlike typical horror films where we cringe at silly decision making ('don't go in there by yourself you idiot'), here the scariness is heightened by the knowledge that we would have done just what those backpackers did. Although it is not actually the 'true story' the producers will have us believe from the opening credits, the disturbing realism of the script hits home in a way that will make us think twice about venturing beyond the metropolitan area. See it if you don't mind having nightmares.