Cassandra Magrath Interview

The year's scariest horror film may well be Wolf Creek, a highly unsettling account of a serial killer's kidnap of three young tourists in the Australian outback. If you like watching films through your fingers, then this is just the ticket, as first-time director Greg McLean takes the viewer through the mill of anticipation, only to unleash one of the most memorable killers in recent cinematic history. Crocodile Dundee it ain't.

The story unfolds around two British backpackers ( played by relative Australian newcomers Cassandra Magrath and Kestie Morassi, sporting impeccable English accents), living out the final days of their holiday Down Under. Along with their cheeky Oz friend Ben (Nathan Phillips), the three plan a trip to Wolf Creek, a notorious crater which is both beautiful and unnerving: a place where time literally stands still, as the trio find out when all of their watches, and ultimately their car, stop working.

But this is just the beginning of their troubles. When the car fails to start they are helped out in the middle of the night by the charming and confident Mick. Their prayers seem to be answered but in reality their nightmare has only just begun. Mick, played by Australian veteran John Jarratt is anything but a cuddly Australian beer-guzzler.

Speaking exclusively to Tiscali, Cassandra Magrath doesn't exactly agree with the comparisons which have been made to The Blair Witch Project. 'I don't think it's anything like that, except from maybe the kids getting lost story. But it's not shot on video, and I think they are totally different movies'.

McGrath was impressed by Greg McLean's style: 'He has such a great background in art, photography and film that he was a real joy to work with.' McLean also fostered the impressive rapport between the trio, allowing them to develop their own relationship (Magrath and Morassi had previously worked together). But the most important question - and one which will hopefully settle any audience nightmares - is about John Jarratt. Is his terrifying killer really just an act? 'Of course', laughs Magrath. 'Everyone who meets him is surprised how delightful and gentle he is. Although I have had nightmares in which he appears in the back of my car with a knife!'.