olf Creek opens with a startling statistic -- nearly 30,000 people are reported missing in Australia every year. While 90 per cent of those are found within a month, some are never seen again.

  With that in mind, writer and first-time director Greg McLean decided to make a horror film about what might have happened to some of those who are never found.

  The chilling story follows British backpackers Liz (Cassandra Magrath) and Kristy (Kestie Morassi) who meet an Australian named Ben (Nathan Phillips) while traveling the country's west coast.

  Following a trip to the remote Outback to see the mysterious meteor crater at Wolf Creek National Park, the three are spooked to discover their car won't start.

  Trapped in the wilderness, all they can do is wait for someone to rescue them. Just as night falls, local bushman Mick (John Jarratt) offers to tow their car to his camp where he says he has the spare parts to fix it. Relieved, they gratefully accept his offer along with dinner and fresh water when they arrive at his place 
actors
John Jarratt
Cassandra Magrath
Kestie Morassi
Nathan Phillips

director
Greg McLean

locations
Australia

outtake
The film is said to be inspired by the true events of the notorious "backpacker killer" who was found guilty of killing seven backpack-toting European tourists between 1989 and 1992.

that turns out to be hours away. But when the sun comes up the next morning, the friends discover Mick has no intention of letting them leave� ever.

  Despite starring in a horror film, Magrath said she is not a fan of the genre. "I hate being scared," she said. "It's the worst feeling in the world. I don't watch horror films. I can't even watch them on TV."

  McLean, however, enjoys the tension they provide. "I have always loved stories about weird lights in the sky, UFOs and people who simply 'disappeared' while in the Outback," he said. "Australia is a magical country with amazing and yet terrifying qualities and I really wanted to put a face to the nameless fear of what lurks 'out there' on those long lonely highways."

- Robin Stevenson