Wolf Creek 2 (2013) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Wolf Creek 2 is a 2013 Australian horror film directed by Greg McLean, serving as a sequel to the 2005 cult hit Wolf Creek. The movie sees the return of the sadistic outback serial killer, Mick Taylor, portrayed by John Jarratt, as he terrorizes a new set of unfortunate travelers in the desolate Australian wilderness. Known for its brutal violence and relentless tension, Wolf Creek 2 amplifies the horror of the first film, blending grotesque action with a mix of dark humor and grisly survival.
For fans of the horror genre, Wolf Creek 2 continues to delve into the disturbing depths of the human psyche and the grim realities of being stranded in a dangerous, unfamiliar landscape. This article explores the plot, cast performances, critical reception, and where to stream Wolf Creek 2 online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Relentless Cat-and-Mouse Game in the Outback
The story begins in the remote Australian Outback, where the infamous Mick Taylor continues his reign of terror. As a psychotic hunter, he preys on tourists who cross paths with him, using the vast, isolated wilderness to his advantage.
The film introduces us to Paul Hammersmith (Ryan Corr), a British backpacker traveling through the Outback. While enjoying his adventure, Paul unknowingly stumbles into Mick Taylor’s territory. Prior to this encounter, we witness Mick’s sadistic murder of two German tourists, Katarina (Shannon Ashlyn) and Rutger (Philippe Klaus), who are camping in the Outback. The violence escalates quickly, with Mick toying with his victims, offering them false hope before brutally killing them.
Paul soon finds himself at the center of Mick’s twisted game of cat and mouse. What begins as a chance meeting turns into a brutal chase across the arid plains of Australia, with Paul using his wits to try to outsmart Mick. The film is a relentless sequence of tense encounters, violent outbursts, and psychological warfare as Paul struggles to survive Mick’s psychopathic rage.
Unlike the first Wolf Creek, which took its time building tension, Wolf Creek 2 moves at a breakneck pace, with action sequences coming fast and furious. Mick’s sadistic sense of humor and his enjoyment of the hunt are on full display, making him one of the most memorable and terrifying villains in modern horror.
Cast and Performances: John Jarratt’s Terrifying Return as Mick Taylor
John Jarratt once again steals the show as Mick Taylor. His portrayal of the sadistic serial killer is both chilling and oddly charismatic, making him one of the more disturbing horror antagonists of recent memory. Jarratt fully embodies Mick’s twisted personality, blending his deep love for the Australian Outback with his unrelenting cruelty towards those who dare to enter it.
Ryan Corr, as Paul, delivers a strong performance as the film’s primary victim. His portrayal of a man thrust into a life-or-death situation is raw and believable, and he holds his own against Jarratt’s overpowering presence. The tension between the two characters drives much of the film’s suspense, and Corr does an excellent job of portraying Paul’s desperate attempts to escape Mick’s clutches.
Shannon Ashlyn and Philippe Klaus also give notable performances as Katarina and Rutger, the German tourists who are among Mick’s first victims in the film. Their brief but impactful roles set the stage for the brutality that will follow, giving viewers a glimpse of just how merciless Mick can be.
Themes: Survival Horror in the Harsh Australian Wilderness
Wolf Creek 2 explores the theme of survival in one of the harshest environments on earth: the Australian Outback. The vast, empty landscape becomes a character in itself, offering no escape and no sanctuary for Mick’s victims. This isolation amplifies the horror, as there is nowhere to run and no one to help.
The film also delves into the psychological terror of being hunted. Mick Taylor’s sadistic games aren’t just about physical survival—they’re about mental endurance. Mick enjoys breaking his victims, toying with them before delivering a final, gruesome blow. This psychological torment is just as terrifying as the violence, making Wolf Creek 2 a deeply unsettling viewing experience.
There is also an undercurrent of dark humor throughout the film. Mick Taylor’s casual attitude toward murder, paired with his twisted sense of humor, gives the movie an odd, unnerving tone. He quips and jokes while carrying out his horrific acts, making the audience both cringe and laugh, adding to the film’s unique brand of horror.
Cinematography and Direction: A Stunning and Brutal Outback Horror
Greg McLean’s direction in Wolf Creek 2 ensures that the film retains the gritty, low-budget feel of its predecessor while expanding the scale of the action. The Australian Outback is shot beautifully, with wide-open landscapes contrasting starkly with the bloody violence that unfolds within them. Cinematographer Toby Oliver captures the vastness and isolation of the wilderness, creating an ominous backdrop for the cat-and-mouse game between Mick and his victims.
The action sequences are intense and visceral, with McLean ramping up the tension as the film progresses. The film doesn’t shy away from gore, making for some truly shocking moments that will satisfy fans of brutal horror. Despite the fast pace, McLean keeps the focus on character-driven suspense, ensuring that the audience remains emotionally invested in Paul’s fight for survival.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Yet Satisfying Sequel
Wolf Creek 2 received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s intense action and John Jarratt’s performance, others criticized its shift away from the slow-burn tension of the first film in favor of more overt violence and action. Some viewers appreciated the faster pace and dark humor, while others felt it detracted from the original film’s gritty realism.
On the positive side, Jarratt’s performance as Mick Taylor was universally lauded, with many calling him one of the most terrifying horror villains of the modern era. The film’s visceral violence and relentless pace were also praised by fans of the genre.
However, some critics argued that Wolf Creek 2 lacked the psychological depth of the first movie, leaning too heavily into action-horror territory. They felt that the shift in tone made the film less impactful, turning it into more of a slasher film than a psychological thriller. Nevertheless, for those who enjoyed the first Wolf Creek, the sequel offered a satisfying continuation of Mick Taylor’s bloody saga.
Where to Watch Wolf Creek 2 Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in streaming or renting Wolf Creek 2, several platforms in the U.S. offer it for online viewing.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Wolf Creek 2 is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video in both SD and HD formats.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, mobile devices, and more.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
You can rent or purchase Wolf Creek 2 through Apple TV, with HD streaming available for Apple users.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $14.99
- Devices: Watch on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV offers Wolf Creek 2 for both rental and purchase.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on Android devices, smart TVs, and Chromecast.
4. Vudu
Vudu provides Wolf Creek 2 for rental or purchase without a subscription requirement.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99
- Devices: Watch on Roku, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies also offers Wolf Creek 2 for rent or purchase.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other devices that support YouTube.
Conclusion: A Brutal and Relentless Sequel
Wolf Creek 2 amps up the horror and action, offering a brutal and relentless ride through the Australian Outback. While it may not have the slow-burn suspense of the first film, it delivers in terms of raw intensity and gore, making it a must-watch for fans of survival horror. John Jarratt’s chilling performance as Mick Taylor remains the standout feature of the film, solidifying him as one of horror’s most terrifying villains.
With several streaming and rental options available in the U.S., Wolf Creek 2 is an accessible and intense horror experience for those looking to witness the further bloody exploits of Mick Taylor.
