Self-Aware Slasher "You're Next" Has A Remarkable Ending Which Forces You To Re-Evaluate The Film...

[philosoraptor42]

You're Next (2011)

I can now see why this film received such a varied response. Some seemed to decry it as a sub-standard slasher flick. While others claimed it was subverting the genre 'Cabin In The Woods' style.

It starts like a pretty simplistic slasher and it doesn't even seem particularly interesting in style. However it all leads to quite a surprising finale.

Naturally when the main point by which to recommend a film is the ending that makes it a little tough to discuss in a spoiler-free review. However, while Fight Club isn't the best comparison, it's similar in the way the film changes upon a second watch. The new knowledge gained at the end colours every event throughout the film.

Still not everything relies on the ending. There are a few pretty neat stylistic touches here and there. One element that I found especially appealing was this stereo playing the same song over and over on a loop. It was surprisingly effective in contributing to the mood in particular scenes, whether it be a sense of hopelessness or just plain old black humour.

Another interesting choice found in all the promotional material is the animal masks of the killers.

Towards the end of the film there are some pretty neat scenes of violence, but annoyingly the first half is rather dull on first watch. Still the quality of the ending and the subsequent benefit for future viewings makes it worth it by my reckoning.

A+