The Last House on the Left (1972) Review in 2025
A group of teenage friends on a camping trip encounter a pair of escaped convicts, leading to a night of terror and violence.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to graphic violence, gore, and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of horror and thriller genres, but be warned: it's not for the faint of heart. The graphic violence and gore may be too intense for some viewers. Recommended for streaming or watching in a group setting.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows two teenage friends, Mari and Phyllis, who are on a camping trip with their families. However, their fun is disrupted when they encounter two escaped convicts, Krug and his gang, who take them hostage and subject them to physical and emotional abuse. The girls manage to escape, but not before witnessing the brutal murder of one of their friends. The rest of the movie follows the girls' quest for revenge against the convicts, leading to a bloody and intense confrontation.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is well-crafted, with a strong focus on character development and a tense, suspenseful plot. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the violence and gore to be excessive.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally strong, with Sandra Peabody and Lucy Grantham delivering standout performances. However, some of the supporting actors feel wooden and lack chemistry with the leads.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Mari and Phyllis being particularly well-portrayed. However, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped and lack depth.
direction8.00/10
Wes Craven's direction is superb, with a keen eye for detail and a mastery of tension and suspense. However, some viewers may find the film's pacing to be uneven at times.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, with some effective use of lighting and composition. However, the film's low budget is evident in some of the technical aspects, such as the sound quality and special effects.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Last House on the Left is a classic horror film with a strong focus on character development and a tense, suspenseful plot. The direction and cinematography are superb, and the acting is generally strong.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the violence and gore to be excessive. The supporting characters feel underdeveloped and lack depth.
Notable Quotes
"I'm gonna kill you, you little bitch!"
"You're gonna get it!"
