You’re Next review

After two long years in distribution limbo the wait is over and Martin Appleby finally gets to review You’re Next…

Written and directed by the team behind 2010 indie horror film ‘A Horrible Way to Die’, writer Simon Barrett and director Adam Wingard this time give us their take on the home invasion horror sub-genre. Paul and Aubrey Davison (Rob Moran and horror veteran Barbara Crampton) have gathered their four children and their partners together in order to celebrate their anniversary. The siblings are not exactly the best of friends (to say the least) and old rivalries and petty bickering soon dominate the proceedings. This all pales into insignificance however when they are brutally alerted, care of an influx of crossbow bolts, to the fact that they are not alone.

Meagre differences are put aside as the family fight to survive the brutal onslaught, a fight that is orchestrated by Erin, girlfriend of one of the sons. The character of Erin is a breath of fresh air. A bad ass final girl, and possibly the best since Neve Cambell’s Sydney Prescott. It turns out, much to the chagrin of their attackers, that Erin is somewhat of a dab hand at defending herself in dangerous situations.

Packed full of surprises, jump scares and darkly humorous moments, You’re Next is an intelligent, horror-literate thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Martin Appleby