You’re Next (2013) Directed by Adam Wingard. Starring: Sharni Vinson, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen. IMDB says: “When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.”
An isolated home in the country is the setting for the Davison family reunion. Parentals Paul (Rob Moran) and Aubrey (Barbara Crampton) are joined by their four adult children and their plus ones to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary at their retirement estate. A few bumps in the night indicate that something sinister is in store for the family, but not all the guests pick up on the signs right away. It isn’t until dinner the first night when the whole family is gathered together that the petty family drama is interrupted by masked, blood-seeking, strangers. We start in familiar home invasion movie territory but are quickly wound up in a delightfully gory, surprisingly funny and immensely entertaining experience.
You’re Next director Adam Wingard creates a similar atmosphere to some of his previous work (VHS & A Horrible Way To Die) by utilizing handheld camera shots and often unfocused framing to make the viewer feel more involved and complicit in the actions taking place. Some performances in the film are better than others but the use of largely non-known actors actually helps the film’s overall goals. I found that my limited knowledge of the events in the film (thanks largely to it’s trailer that concealed most of the surprises) became a huge advantage to me as a viewer. It’s often hard to nail down the characters and what their role in the story will be. In the grand scheme, the film doesn’t get too wrapped up in motivations and back story simply because it doesn’t need to be. This is bare bones horror story that takes its time, works with what it’s got and sharpens it’s assets accordingly.
It would also be remiss of me not to mention the film’s efforts to leave aggravating horror cliches at the door. It’s true that this movie’s story isn’t exactly something new, but what makes it memorable is it’s inclusion of horror fan wish-fulfillment moments. One blow to the head should keep the killer down, right? The audience says ‘HELL NO!’ and in You’re Next so do the characters. Helpless female running around screaming, tripping over non-existent branches in the wood? Not on Adam Wingard’s watch. I’m not saying that this film isn’t with out it’s tropes but the moments of badassery outweigh the familiar enough to satisfy.
I’m not going to go on too much, especially into the plot because it would be a disservice. You’re Next provides solid spooks here and there but really shines as a home invasion, revenge horror film. It’s really fun and worth a watch in theaters. I actually can’t wait to see it again myself, which is something that hasn’t happened a whole lot this year. If you decide to settle down with You’re Next, I’m sure you’ll find that it will be an awesome summer popcorn flick.
