10 Nastiest Horror Films Since 2000

It’s a sign of how potent Wolf Creek is that its Australian release had to be delayed until after the trial of an Australian accused of murdering a British backpacker – events mirrored by the film’s fictional narrative.

That narrative boils down to a story about 3 backpackers being stalked by a killer through the Outback, but this is no standard slasher movie and Mick (John Jarratt, who once fronted a gardening show) is not your typical villain. He’s a flesh and blood character, whose superficial charm allows him to get close to his prey, and he has the whole wilderness in which to ply his trade.

In a movie with no shortage of disquieting moments, the standout has to be the “head on a stick” sequence, and it’s a toss-up which is the more unnerving – Mick’s description of it or the look in his victim’s eyes as he sets to work.