I’ve never really been a fan of The Last House on the Left (1972). While I appreciate the fandom and the film serving as a springboard for Wes Craven and Sean Cunningham, it just wasn’t for me. In 2009, it was announced there would be a remake, but I had no interest in seeing it. However, this month, Arrow Video is releasing Dennis Iliadis’ film, and I was sent a promo copy to review. So, fourteen years later, I watched it for the first time. I have to admit, it made an impact.
John (Tony Goldwyn) and Emma (Monica Potter) have a vacation home out in the middle of nowhere. Along with their daughter Mari (Sara Paxton), they’re planning on enjoying some time away from their busy city lives. Once they arrive, Mari immediately wants to borrow the car and go visit her friend Paige (Martha MacIsaac). The two girls meet up with a mysterious teenager only to find themselves fighting for their lives when escaped convict Krug (Garret Dillahunt) and his crew (Aaron Paul and Riki Lindhome) take them hostage.
The criminals assault the girls and leave them for dead during a major storm. They flee to a nearby home only to be taken in by Mari’s parents, who have no idea what has transpired. When the truth comes out, all hell will break loose when Krug and his crew underestimate the fury of two parents who will do anything for their child.
I’m not really sure how to approach this review. Sexual assault on film is never pleasant to watch, and while it’s not overly graphic or brutal, it does make a massive impact that’s difficult to watch. That aside, The Last House on the Left (2009) improves upon the source material in many ways. It builds a stronger narrative and puts the audience through the wringer emotionally. What really makes it work are the performances from the entire cast. After watching the included interview with Sara Paxton, she really opens up about how the cast bonded, and it’s instantly noticeable.
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The 4K release cleans up the edges and showcases the dark, muted colors with a neat, crisp image. It is a two-disc set, with disc one being the 4K and disc two being a standard Blu-ray. The UHD is the theatrical version, while the HD Blu-ray contains the unrated edition. You’ll also find extras like interviews with Sara Paxton, Garret Dillahunt, screenwriter Carl Ellsworth, and Jonathon Craven. There’s a featurette from the original 2009 release, a new introduction by director Dennis Iliadis, and a new commentary track by David Flint and Adrian Smith. Since I was only sent a promo copy, I wasn’t able to view the packaging, which has a reversible sleeve and a collectible booklet.
These types of films affect me differently now that I’m a husband, father to two girls, and grandfather to two girls as well. You can’t help but wonder how you’d react in a situation like that. The Last House on the Left is a tough film to watch, but I feel the subject matter was handled much more responsibly in this than in the original. Plus, you just can’t beat that ending.
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