Wrong Turn is a 2021 horror thriller from director Mike P. Nelson (The Domestics), based on a screenplay from Alan B. McElroy, who wrote the original 2003 film. The story follows a diverse group of twenty somethings who decide to brave a portion of the vaunted Appalachian Trail (The A-T), in VERY rural Virginia. Unfortunately for them, after ignoring several warnings they cross paths with a dangerous and territorial community of “mountain people” known as The Foundation, living off the grid. After the group of hikers disappears like many before them, the father of one of the hikers played by the determined and seemingly ageless Matthew Modine, goes to investigate.

Wrong Turn received a Blu-ray/DVD and VOD release on February 23rd, courtesy of Lionsgate.

The Good

Wrong Turn is a well-written, and in many ways a refreshing thriller with more depth to the story than you would usually find in a film like this. I went in figuring I knew what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised with how much more it had to offer. It jumps from past to present a few times to set the stage for the backstory and eventual twists, and it all comes together nicely. Alan B. McElroy provides a script that allows us the opportunity to really sink our teeth into this world he created not so far from our own reality. Don’t be surprised if the franchise is given new life even if it is heading in a new direction.

The conclusion is extremely satisfying, and includes easily the best ending credits scene of recent memory. We often start to envision how we would like a movie to end and it rarely happens in the way we hope it will, so it’s nice when it works out. I also thought the score and soundtrack were one of the highlights of the film doing a fantastic job setting the tone.

The Bad

Wrong Turn suffers from what most horror films seem to deal with, which is mediocre acting. The majority of the cast is serviceable, but they are unable to match the intensity of the film making some of the more pivotal scenes a bit less believable.

As I mentioned previously I was impressed with the writing, but it was predictable at times. I also would have preferred the film to follow more of a horror formula, but it tends to fall more in line with the thriller genre. I also thought the kills were a bit lazy and lacking creativity, for the majority of the film anyway.

The Verdict

Wrong Turn is able to avoid the pitfalls that plague most lower budget horror films, offering a surprisingly deep backstory and possibly the best during credits scene you’ll ever see. If you were a fan of the original films or just enjoy a good horror movie, this is worth checking out.