Warning.

I have included some screen captures from this film which depict violent scenes and plot spoilers. Please be aware of this before reading and scrolling down the page. XoD.

Independent British Horror films can often showcase some of the best up and coming talent about. Neil Marshall is a prime example of this with his debut film “Dog Soldiers”. This genre can also produce work of a nature that larger studios could not and would not. Happy endings, moral subtexts, glamorous leads are not de rigueur. “Wilderness” falls squarely into this category.

The some what lurid UK DVD packaging calls this film “Predator, meets scum, meets lord of the flies” which rather succinctly breakdown the story. There is also a major spoiler photo on the back sleeve which ruins the plot. However considering the film features a certain actor who always seems to meet a painful end in whatever he appears, may be this is not such a give away. Anyway, a group of young offenders, with a list of unpleasant criminal traits, travel to a remote island for an outward bound course and fall victim to a homicidal manic. Is this merely a cruel chance of fate, or is there a more sinister motive for events.

There are few original ideas here and director Michael J. Bassett treats us to numerous homage’s to famous genre films. But what you do get are some well defined characters that you can identify with. So often these days we have to endure films populated by people we could not careless about. Not so here. The sociopath and the sex offender are particularly interesting. Performances are good all round and it’s that inherent British quality I mentioned earlier that gives this film a little more credibility and vitality.

Be warned, this film has a “15” rating in the UK and it's a strong one at that. The Killer uses crossbow and knife and hunting dogs to kill his prey and there is one death that stands out and may well make the less experienced viewer flinch. There is also some staged animal violence. The dialogue includes liberal doses of British colloquialism throughout the film, but this is not out of step with the story.

At a time when the US market seems incapable of making anything other than sub standard remakes of classic films or foreign imports; it is refreshing to find a British film that shows some creativity and difference. Yes “Wilderness” is derivative, but the formula provides an opportunity to present some valid characters and credible dialog. There is also a sincere approach to the entire film, showing the love of a genuine genre fan and not the cynical, contrived workmanship of a studio hack. Recommended to anyone who liked “Dog Soldiers” but not to dog lovers!

XoD.