Michael J. Bassett
Wilderness

Horror is European. Or at least it is now. Europe continues to produce a good amount of noteworthy horror, while the stars and stripes camera still seems not to have recovered from a (long) period of confusion.

First, France made an impression with remarkable titles like "Martyrs," "Frontiers," "Calvaire," "Sheitan," "High Tension," "À l'intérieur." Then, England emerged with interesting films such as "The Bunker," "Mum & Dad," "The Descent," "Eden Lake." It's from England that "Wilderness" comes, borrowing from the country where it "was born" the gloomy and rainy atmosphere that distinguishes it.

"Wilderness" is yet another interesting title that has appeared in the United Kingdom, released in 2006 and directed by Michael J. Bassett, who had already directed another good horror like "Deathwatch."

Bassett's second feature film (who has also recently directed the fantasy "Solomon Kane") starts from the usual story of survival horror: a group of inmates is sent to an island to undergo psychological rehabilitation, to "get away" for a short period from the harsh prison life. But as often happens, the location chosen by the prison officials is not the calmest. Someone wants revenge...

Let’s be clear: even "Wilderness" (like other titles of this new European horror wave) has the clichés of the horror genre and it's hard to imagine these films without clear nods to the past. However, what strikes about Bassett's film is the excellent cinematic execution in the most thrilling and action-packed parts: while many times some gore sequences appear to be the failed element, in "Wilderness" they are the pivot of the entire representation. Various dismemberments and hard and disturbing sequences are not lacking, yet always rendered effectively. Furthermore, what sets it apart from the useless sequence of slasher titles that have come out in recent years, is a characterization of the characters that is rarely found in products of this genre.

"Wilderness" is a film that, demanding little, manages to achieve its goal, not even disdaining punches to the stomach and reflections on human beastliness. It certainly won’t be the horror of the new millennium, but it's undeniable that in recent times Europe (with France and England at the forefront) is giving birth to good examples of low-budget slashers.