In 2005, Greg McLean’s bleak horror film Wolf Creek made waves with its unflinching cruelty and disturbing violence. Adding to the terror is the film’s opening claims that this horrific story was based on actual events. 

But how closely does McLean keep to this upsetting source material? Jenn walks Joe through the harrowing true stories of Bradley Murdoch and Ivan Milat, two notorious killers who preyed on backpackers exploring Australia’s vast wilderness. 

Topics include: Parallels to iconic horror, depictions of Australian archetypes, and the disturbing origins of making “a head on a stick.”

References:

> Eric Shorey. The Grisly True Crime Stories Behind The Infamous Australian Horror Movie 'Wolf Creek'. Oxygen True Crime

> Michael McGowan. Ivan Milat's chilling serial backpacker murders still haunt Australia. The Guardian

> Casefile Podcast 109. "Belanglo."

Wanna connect with the show? Follow us on social media @murdermfiction (Twitter & Instagram) or send us an email: [email protected]

> Jenn: @jennferatu

> Joe: @bstolemyremote

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