WOLF CREEK — ** 1/2 — Kestie Morassi, Cassandra Magrath, John Jarratt; rated R (violence, gore, profanity, vulgarity, drugs, brief sex); Carmike 12 Theaters; Cinemark 24 at Jordan Landing; Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons.

Give "Wolf Creek" credit for one thing. It's one of the few horror movies in recent memory that tries to develop some characters — well, characters who are more than cinematic cannon fodder, at least.

That makes it more effective when horrible things happen to the characters. And the things that happen to them really are horrible. This film is one of an increasing number of horror movies that seem to be obsessed with character cruelty and realistic, gruesome acts of violence.

And yes, that means the film will probably be too much for the majority of audiences. As for hard-core horror fans, they may become a little restless themselves during the first half of the film, which is where Australian filmmaker Greg McLean tries to build up some suspense.

"Wolf Creek" follows three twentysomethings exploring the Australian Outback during their spring break. Lizzie (Cassandra Magrath) and Ben (Nathan Phillips) are apparently beginning a relationship, which has made Kristy (Kestie Morassi) feel a bit like a third wheel.

But the three continue their camp-outs, which include telling stories of weird phenomenon particular to the area. They're starting to freak each other out, which only worsens when their vehicle breaks down.

They appear to get a lucky break when Mick (John Jarratt) turns up and promises to help them out. Stress "appears to get a lucky break," since this mystery man turns out to be a psycho with sinister plans for these unfortunate tourists.

This is not for the faint-of-heart or weak-stomached, since it features some of the most vivid sequences of violence and torture seen lately. And our emotional attachment to at least one or two of the characters, particularly Morassi's plucky heroine, makes them even more disturbing.

And as a hunter and killer of humans, Jarratt is calm, cool and collected, making him a truly monstrous creation.

"Wolf Creek" is rated R for strong scenes of horror violence (including stabbings, shootings and torture, vehicular violence and violence against women), graphic, stomach-churning gore, occasional use of strong sexual profanity and crude slang terms, drug content (references) and brief sexual contact. Running time: 99 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com