The Hills Have Eyes

1977, 89 minutes, Digital, R
USA

Language: English

Director: Wes Craven

Cast: John Steadman, Susan Lanier

Distributor: AGFA

From the mind of Wes Craven, THE HILLS HAVE EYES stands alongside the likes of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD as one of the defining moments in American indie horror. Taking a detour whilst en route to L.A., the Carter family (featuring Dee Wallace of E.T. and THE HOWLING) is in deep shit when their camper van breaks down in the middle of the desert — and they find themselves at the mercy of monstrous cannibals lurking in the hills. With their lives under threat, the Carters are forced to fight back by any means necessary. Horror master Craven achieved critical and commercial success with the likes of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and SCREAM — but for many genre fans, the director’s seminal ‘77 effort remains his masterpiece.

“Parents need to know that this is an extremely violent movie with repellent murders and killings that cross the border from self-defense into sadistic revenge. Customary guardian figures (husbands, mothers, fathers) are the first to be slaughtered. Not even director Wes Craven’s later, teen-filled “Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Scream” movies strike a nerve like this.” — Common Sense Media

4/5 Stars: “THE HILLS HAVE EYES is an extremely intense and disturbing film. It becomes oddly and distressingly exhilarating to watch the nice family become increasingly savage in their efforts to survive.” — TV guide