NZIFF Review: ‘You’re Next’

Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett have proven themselves to be horror whizz kids with such films as Horrible Way to Die and 2 parts of V/H/S. This film continues in the same dark vein, but provides laughs alongside the screams and blood-soaked entrails.

The set up is Agatha Christie in its simplicity: a family are getting together at a country house to celebrate an anniversary. It’s the first time the adult siblings have been together in a long time, and naturally there is a lot of bickering, taking sides and jealous glances between them.

When an dinnertime argument is cut short by an arrow flying through the window, killing one of the partners, the family is faced with a deadly new foe – animal-masked invaders with an arsenal of weapons designed to kill with maximum efficiency and bloodiness.

The hero of this piece is, interestingly, a heroine – the girlfriend of one of the sons. She’s a tough Aussie chick whose knack for dispatching bad guys and setting booby traps is startling – until it’s explained that she grew up in a survivalist camp in the outback.

Dark, gore-drenched and full of moments that will make you jump in your seat, You’re Next is an indie horror that will appeal to mainstream audiences as well as this horror-team’s already established fanbase. Oh, and it’s actually funny too!

6.5/10

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