You’re Next (2011) Directed by Adam Wingard. With Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, Wendy Glenn, A. J. Bowen and Joe Swanberg.
Boasting a ‘certified fresh‘ rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes (to date), it seems the film critics of the world were fooled by Adam Wingard’s home invasion horror flick, You’re Next. Easily fooled, at that.
At an isolated location (where else!?), it’s the wedding anniversary of Aubrey and Paul Davison. Siblings reunite with their rivalries and new partners in tow as Wingard directs an ensemble cast of little-known actors, brought together to be murdered in an order that, if isn’t quickly apparent, soon becomes so.
It starts like Meet The Parent’s meets Scream, transforming into a sadistic version of Home Alone as non-events unfold. Some have praised its twists, but in truth, underneath a few plot contrivances, it’s all terribly derivative. There is a strong undercurrent of black humour, but it’s punctured by a sadistic edge that leaves a manky aftertaste.
It’s giving away the game to say exactly who emerges at the forefront of the piece, suffice it to say, it wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t a group of maniacs chasing a pretty young girl. While it’s true that Wingard’s direction is solid, the film is too straight-out-of-the-manual to make any lasting impact.
Over a few bowls of popcorn and in the company of some like-minded friends, it might just scrape by as a passable movie-night cheap thrill. If, however, we’re asking where it stands in the grand pantheon of horror, or for that matter, if it has anything new or interesting to offer – that’s a big fat NO! 2.5/5
Gareth Rhodes Film Reviews 
Good review of which I agree. It was okay, nothing more.
Thank you, good to hear from you. We’re on the same page.
I want to remember to avoid this, but with such a generic title, it’s going to be hard.
The good news is, you won’t remember it after you’ve seen it, either.
Man I love this movie.
Lukas, I’m glad you that loved it. Not for me though, man, far too derivative.
Interesting. I thought You’re Next wasn’t anything special but found the all kills creative and thought it was really well crafted visually. I completely agree it’s overly derivative. I think Wingard made a better version of this movie with The Guest, It does a better job of blending Horror and Action, managing to be serviceable in both genres without undercutting itself.
Thank you – that one particular kill with the blender was amusing/inventive, but the rest was bludgeoned heads and slit throats. I agree with you – Wingard is a solid film-maker and I think he’ll go on to make better films. Great to hear from you, by the way, really appreciate your input.
Welcome 🙂 .
I really need to re-watch this. I remember being pretty indifferent to it but then encountering an inordinate number of mega-fans and being at a loss. I was encouraged as your take more closely resembles my memories. 🙂
It’s like that horrible feeling you get when everyone else gets the joke, while you’re sat there wearing a blank expression…
I found it OK, at best, but nothing that would have me singing its praises. Glad we’re on the same page, especially so because I know you’re well steeped in the horror genre.
So glad I am not alone here. I thought it was alright, but totally not worth the hype surrounding it! Great review!
To have your agreement is a relief to me too. I can’t get my head around the critical acclaim. Thank you 🙂
Good review Gareth. It’s not just unpredictable, but quite a fun piece to watch and get engaged with.
Thank you, Dan, although I must say that I found it quite predictable and formulaic. An OK film, at best. That said, I accept that the wider film community sees it on a higher level than I do.
You’re probably right Gareth, though I do remember liking it a tad more than yourself. It’s certainly not as good as Wingard’s The Guest.
Like I say, the critics seemed to love this one, which makes it all the more head-scratchy as to why I didn’t. I’m usually in step with the tide of popular opinion, but it felt so familiar and rehashed. Not a bad film, just an OK one, I’d say. Great to hear from you, by the way.
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