Wolf Creek 2 (2013) is an Australian horror film directed by Greg McLean, serving as a sequel to the 2005 cult classic Wolf Creek. The film continues the story of Mick Taylor, a sadistic serial killer who preys on unsuspecting tourists in the Australian outback.
The narrative follows Mick Taylor (John Jarratt) as he targets a young German couple, Rutger and Katarina, who are backpacking through the Australian wilderness. After a brutal encounter, Katarina escapes and is rescued by British tourist Paul Hammersmith (Ryan Corr). However, Mick relentlessly pursues them, leading to a harrowing game of cat and mouse that delves into themes of survival and psychological torment. The film culminates in a twisted “quiz” where Mick tests Paul’s knowledge of Australian culture, with dire consequences for wrong answers.
John Jarratt reprises his role as Mick Taylor, delivering a performance that oscillates between dark humor and terrifying menace. Ryan Corr portrays Paul Hammersmith, capturing the character’s descent from a carefree traveler to a traumatized survivor.
Wolf Creek 2 shifts focus from the victims to the antagonist, providing a deeper exploration of Mick Taylor’s character. The film blends elements of slasher horror with psychological thriller, incorporating dark comedy and satirical takes on Australian stereotypes. The cinematography captures the vastness and isolation of the outback, enhancing the film’s tension and atmosphere.
The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 52% approval rating, with the consensus stating: “After a strong start, Wolf Creek 2 devolves into an unnecessary—and disappointingly predictable—sequel.” Metacritic reports a score of 44 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average reviews.” Some critics praised the film’s pacing and Jarratt’s performance, while others criticized its excessive violence and lack of originality.
With a budget of approximately $1.7 million, Wolf Creek 2 grossed over $4.7 million worldwide. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2013, and was released in Australia on February 20, 2014. It won several awards at the Nocturna Madrid International Fantastic Film Festival, including Best Acting for both Jarratt and Corr, Best Directing for McLean, and Best Script.