Genre: Horror | Slasher | Survival
Directed by: Adam Marcus
Starring: Katherine McNamara, Alex Wolff, Lance Henriksen, Maddie Hasson
Studio: Lionsgate Films
Runtime: 1h 39min
After the 2021 reboot of Wrong Turn took the franchise in a bold new direction with a more grounded cult-based horror, Wrong Turn 8 attempts to merge that psychological dread with the savage survival horror that fans expect. The result? A brutal, suspense-filled ride that offers both nostalgia and fresh blood, even if it occasionally stumbles over its own legacy.
Set years after the events of the reboot, Wrong Turn 8 follows a group of hikers who venture deep into the Appalachian backwoods—unaware that the land is still watched over by the remnants of the shadowy community known as The Foundation.
Among the group is Emily (Katherine McNamara), a trauma survivor and sister of one of the original victims. Her search for closure becomes a fight for survival as the group is hunted by both inhuman traps and violent fundamentalists who believe outsiders threaten their way of life.
As the past resurfaces and blood spills again in the forest, the question becomes: Is the real monster the one chasing you… or the one you become to survive?
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Katherine McNamara anchors the film with a committed performance as a tough yet emotionally wounded survivor.
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Alex Wolff adds intensity and subtle dread, portraying a skeptic-turned-believer as the group is picked off.
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Lance Henriksen, in a chilling cameo, reprises a role connected to the cult’s origins, offering much-needed continuity and gravitas.
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The supporting cast fills the archetypes well—idealistic hikers, cowardly boyfriends, brave martyrs—but never strays far from genre expectations.
Director Adam Marcus (Jason Goes to Hell) brings a gritty, grounded sensibility to the franchise, balancing slasher violence with slow-building tension. The film favors practical effects and realistic gore over supernatural elements, leaning into the "nature as predator" aesthetic.
The Appalachian setting is once again a terrifying character in itself—misty forests, abandoned shelters, and inhuman traps make even daylight scenes feel unsafe. The sound design is particularly effective, with distant screams, snapping branches, and whispered chants adding to the dread.
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The clash between civilization and isolationism
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Inherited trauma and generational violence
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What it means to be human versus animal
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Fear of the “unknown other” vs. the darkness within
Though the film tries to dig into deeper ideas about survival and tribalism, its commentary is mostly surface-level. Still, it raises unsettling questions about how far people will go when cornered—and who the real villains are.
Brutal and creative trap sequences
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Atmospheric cinematography and setting
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A strong final girl performance
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Solid balance of tension, action, and gore
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Returns to classic Wrong Turn elements while honoring the reboot’s tone
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Some characters are underdeveloped or disposable
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Predictable story beats for seasoned horror fans
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Occasional pacing issues in the middle act
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Lacks the deeper psychological punch it hints at
Wrong Turn 8 is a visceral, satisfying entry in a franchise known for blood-soaked mayhem and backwoods terror. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it sharpens it enough to keep fans on edge. For longtime viewers and slasher enthusiasts, this sequel feels like a step in the right direction—off the road and into the nightmare.
