Long Weekend takes an idea that has been used many times before (nature rebelling against man), and blends it into an original and exciting little film, which manages to be inventive thanks to it's head-on approach and constant stream of action. Australia isn't exactly a heavyweight horror-producing nation, and so by default this film is one of the best that the nation has to offer. But that's not to take away from its quality as while I can't say that this is one of the best horror films period, it still has a lot to offer the cult cinema fan. The Australian bush has one of the most fascinating ecologies of planet Earth, and the film capitalises on that fact as we follow Marcia and Peter, a couple from the city who decide to go for a weekend camping trip to a remote beach in the Australian outback. Of course, they hope for a relaxing couple of days; but they don't get what they bargained for when it turns out that nature doesn't seem to like them on their patch, and the couple face threats from a number of animals that seem obsessed with ridding their environment of the couple.
Long Weekend stars Australian actor John Hargreaves and English actress Briony Behets in the lead roles. Films like this aren't renowned for great acting performances, but Hargreaves and Behets do more than what is needed of them and both manage assured and interesting performances. The special effects are good also, and the idea of nature rebelling against the couple is believable thanks to this. The idea of a couple being lost in an unfriendly wilderness has a habit of turning up great horror films; The Spanish masterpiece 'Who Can Kill a Child?' being particularly of note on this front. This film reminded me a lot of Peter Weir's effort 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', as the horror isn't always completely evident and the film seems to rely more on it's ambiance than the action for it's chills. The woodland setting is good also as it provides a nice backdrop to the story and isn't a setting seen too often in horror films. The film is good throughout, and the ending packs a punch as it brilliantly offsets the idea of nature being the main foe for most of the film. Overall, this film just falls short of the 'masterpiece' tag; but Long Weekend is still an excellent cult film and comes recommended.
Long Weekend stars Australian actor John Hargreaves and English actress Briony Behets in the lead roles. Films like this aren't renowned for great acting performances, but Hargreaves and Behets do more than what is needed of them and both manage assured and interesting performances. The special effects are good also, and the idea of nature rebelling against the couple is believable thanks to this. The idea of a couple being lost in an unfriendly wilderness has a habit of turning up great horror films; The Spanish masterpiece 'Who Can Kill a Child?' being particularly of note on this front. This film reminded me a lot of Peter Weir's effort 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', as the horror isn't always completely evident and the film seems to rely more on it's ambiance than the action for it's chills. The woodland setting is good also as it provides a nice backdrop to the story and isn't a setting seen too often in horror films. The film is good throughout, and the ending packs a punch as it brilliantly offsets the idea of nature being the main foe for most of the film. Overall, this film just falls short of the 'masterpiece' tag; but Long Weekend is still an excellent cult film and comes recommended.