You're Next Review by Jaffrina Jahan

You’re Next centres around the Davison family reunion in a remote house to celebrate their wealthy parent’s wedding anniversary. The grown up children, Drake, Crispian, Amy and Felix are joined by their counterparts, Kelly, Erin, Tariq and Zee respectively. When they come under attack by mysterious killers in animal masks Erin takes control and fights back.

The trailer suggests a perfect family, however, that is far from the truth. Rivalries, feelings of inferiority and general dislike are evident in the family dynamics. These tensions make the film rather interesting but are quickly undercut as an attacker kills the first victim. The shaky camera work successfully demonstrates the fear and confusion that has captured the family. What separates this film from the common home invasion horrors is its use of black humour and inclusion of a motive. The dark humour is refreshing in this genre and ensures an entertaining watch to prevent the audience from numbing to the violence. Many home invasion films such as Straw Dogs do not provide a motive but director, Adam Wingard does, though this is revealed in the ending. However, I had guessed early on (spoiler) it was an inside job. The real shock comes from the final twist as an additional accomplice is revealed which was unexpected, amusing and more original. Although the motive is believable it is not something explored in depth which would have enabled the film to have more complexity.

The first half of the film is dull aside from the petty squabbles of the family. Despite the suspense being there from the start with the grisly murders and creaking floorboards it only picks up momentum once the killers attack. Then it drops again as the only thing Wingard offers is various ways to kill. The final minutes are where the true depth of the film is depicted.

Sharni Vinson provides an interesting character as Erin who grew up in a survivalist camp. As a strong female lead she is the only character to defend effectively against the attacks. It was refreshing to see a woman defend herself rather than being depicted as the sex object and victim who is dependent on others for survival. Erin is the only likeable character as well. The other characters are passive victims spending most of their screen time alternating between arguing, screaming, crying and looking bewildered until they die a savage death. The family are more interesting when they are being killed and give no reason to the audience for caring what happens to them.

Wingard delivers some scares which do make you jump and its excessive violence will appeal to avid horror fans. But it is the combination of dark humour and sadistic violence that makes it a fresh take in a genre that seemed to have nothing new to offer. However, it is not as impressive as recent horror films such as The Purge and The Conjuring.

Rating System:

Performance: 7/10

Direction: 7/10

Story/Script: 7/10

Music/Soundtrack: 6/10

Cinematography: 7/10

Action: 8/10

I give this film 7/10 

Rating: A refreshing take on home invasion films.