Wrong Turn (2021)

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 26, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Charlotte Vega as Jennifer Shaw
• Adain Bradley as Darius Clemons
• Bill Sage as Venable
• Emma Dumont as Milla D’Angelo
• Dylan McTee as Adam Lucas
• Daisy Head as Edith
• Matthew Modine as Scott Shaw

Director
Mike P. Nelson

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Domestics (2018)
• Summer School (2006)

Producer
Robert Kulzer
James Harris
Allen Bain

Writer
Alan B. McElroy
Based on characters created by Alan B. McElroy

Budget
$5 million

Production Company
Constantin Film
The H Collective
Tea Shop Productions

Running Time
110 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong bloody violence
• Gore
• Language
• Intense sequences of horror

Movie Story
Wrong Turn (2021) is a reboot of the original 2003 horror film, reimagining the franchise with a fresh storyline while retaining the core elements of terror and survival. The film follows a group of friends—Jennifer (Charlotte Vega), Darius (Adain Bradley), Milla (Emma Dumont), Adam (Dylan McTee), Gary (Vardaan Arora), and Luis (Adrian Favela)—who set out for a hiking adventure along the Appalachian Trail. Ignoring warnings from locals to stay on the marked paths, they soon find themselves lost in the dense forest, where they encounter a mysterious and deadly group known as “The Foundation.”

Led by the enigmatic and menacing Venable (Bill Sage), The Foundation is a cult-like community that has lived in isolation for generations, adhering to their own brutal laws and punishments. As the group of friends struggle to navigate the treacherous terrain, they quickly realize that they are being hunted by these ruthless inhabitants who view outsiders as a threat to their way of life.

The film shifts from the typical slasher tropes of the original Wrong Turn series to explore themes of survival, societal norms, and the clash between modernity and ancient customs. As the friends are captured and subjected to the terrifying rituals of The Foundation, they must find a way to escape or face a grim fate. Jennifer emerges as a strong protagonist, determined to survive against overwhelming odds, while her father, Scott (Matthew Modine), embarks on a desperate search to rescue her, leading to a tense and brutal confrontation.

Director Mike P. Nelson infuses the film with a relentless sense of dread, utilizing the remote and unforgiving landscape to heighten the horror. The film’s narrative also delves into the moral ambiguity of its antagonists, offering a more complex depiction of the villains compared to previous installments in the franchise.

Special Effects
Wrong Turn (2021) features practical effects and makeup to deliver its gruesome and visceral horror scenes. The film’s use of gore is effective in creating shock and tension, particularly in scenes involving the elaborate traps and punishments set by The Foundation. The rugged and wild terrain of the Appalachian Mountains is captured beautifully through the film’s cinematography, contributing to the overall atmosphere of isolation and danger.

Box Office Performance
Wrong Turn had a limited theatrical release, with a strong focus on video-on-demand platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the film found success with horror fans and gained a following on streaming services, praised for its fresh take on the Wrong Turn franchise and its intense, gritty horror elements.

Filming Locations

• Ohio, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We don’t bother them, and they don’t bother us.” – Venable
• “It’s their land. We trespassed.” – Darius Clemons
• “You have no idea what you’ve done.” – Edith

Behind-the-Scenes
The 2021 Wrong Turn reboot was conceived as a way to reinvigorate the franchise, moving away from the straightforward slasher formula of the earlier films to explore a more layered and socially relevant story. Writer Alan B. McElroy, who created the original Wrong Turn in 2003, returned to pen the screenplay, ensuring that the film retained the essence of the franchise while introducing new characters and concepts. Director Mike P. Nelson brought a gritty, realistic approach to the film, focusing on the psychological horror aspects and the brutal survival scenarios faced by the protagonists.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
Wrong Turn (2021) is a successful reboot that revitalizes the franchise with a more complex and intense narrative. The film’s focus on survival horror, combined with strong performances, particularly from Charlotte Vega and Bill Sage, makes it a standout entry in the Wrong Turn series. While the gore and brutality will satisfy hardcore horror fans, the film also offers a deeper exploration of its themes, making it a more thought-provoking experience than its predecessors. It’s a must-watch for fans of survival horror and those looking for a fresh take on a classic franchise.

IMDb Rating
5.5/10