Fantastic Fest 2010

You’re probably thinking: “Sacrilege! How dare they remake this classic exploitation film?” Get over it. This remake is faithful to the original in tone, and is just as brutal, terrifying, and cathartic, while offering new angles to the classic story and updating the visuals and explicitness for our age.

Jennifer Hills, a young writer from the “big city,” decides to take a few months in seclusion, typing out her next book while enjoying long days in the peaceful countryside. What she doesn’t add into her plan is that the countryside is full of roughneck losers, creeping in the woods with one hand on a beer can and the other in their pants. Jennifer is interrupted one night by four grisly young men, who proceed to assault and brutalize her, culminating in a ruthless gang-rape.

What happens next you may remember from the original. The tables are turned and the last act of the film involves comeuppance of the savagely violent variety, with Jennifer getting her revenge not only for the vicious treatment she experienced but, in many ways, for all women everywhere. This is where this film succeeds, using practical special effects and good old American creativity to provide some of the most gruesome torture sequences of the year. Fellas, you should sit with your legs crossed for this one.

What’s so great about the original is the complicated and conflicting messages it sends about violence. While you feel catharsis and jubilation at Jennifer’s empowerment, the film turns at one point and forces you to confront your ideas about revenge. The remake packs that same satisfying punch, compelling you to question your love of the horror genre and certain tropes within it. (Daniel Metz)

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