The Hills Have Eyes

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

7/22/1977
90 minutes
6

Taking an ill-advised detour en-route to California, the Carter family soon run into trouble when their RV breaks down in the middle of the desert. Stranded, they find themselves at the mercy of monstrous cannibals lurking in the surrounding hills.

Revenue: $25,000,000

Details

Budget

$350,000

Rating

6/10 (905 votes)

Status

Released

Production Companies

Blood Relations Co.

About The Hills Have Eyes

Wes Craven's 1977 horror film, "The Hills Have Eyes," centers on the Carter family's ill-fated road trip. After their RV breaks down in the desert, they become targets for a group of cannibals living in the nearby hills. The film explores themes of survival and the breakdown of societal norms when confronted with extreme violence.

While some viewers note that the low budget affected the film's overall presentation, leading to elements that are not always frightening, it has garnered a cult following among horror fans. Its brisk pacing and moments of suspense are frequently cited as strengths. The film's critical reception is mixed, with a 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 64/100 on Metacritic, while audiences on IMDb rate it slightly lower at 6.3.

"The Hills Have Eyes" delves into horror by pitting a suburban family against a brutal, isolated community. The narrative focuses on the family's struggle for survival and the desperate measures they must take to defend themselves against their attackers. It is often compared to other horror films of its era that explore similar themes of remote danger and the savagery of human nature.

Rotten Tomatoes 69%
Metacritic 64/100
IMDb 6.3/10

Why you might be searching for The Hills Have Eyes

People often search for specific, graphic scenes from "The Hills Have Eyes," such as those involving violence or particular character fates, including the dog's neck being snapped or the mother cutting her own throat. There are also searches for specific plot points like the daughter being held captive or the unusual appearance of one of the antagonists, indicating the film's ability to create memorable, albeit disturbing, imagery.

What reviewers are saying

John Chard 6/10

One reviewer acknowledges the film's cult status among Wes Craven fans, citing its pacing and allegories despite limitations from the low budget affecting the depiction of violence and some acting performances.

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Gimly 6/10

A critic found the original film to be solid, even while believing the remake surpassed it, and expressed interest in a spin-off focused on the character Beast.

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JPV852 7/10

A viewer thought the film was acceptable for an independent horror movie, noting that the characters were not obnoxious and found it entertaining, even if not exceptional.

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Wuchak 5/10

One reviewer traces the film's influences to "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," the Sawney Bean legend, "Deliverance," and "Straw Dogs," highlighting its theme of civilized people resorting to savagery, but felt the antagonists were too openly depicted.

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