
The Last House on the Left (2009)
When athletic teen Mari Collingwood opts to hang out with her friend Paige in town rather than spend an evening in with her parents vacationing at the family's remote lake house, it marks the beginning of a night no one is going to forget.
Details
Budget
$15,000,000
Rating
6/10 (1785 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Rogue Pictures, Film Afrika, Sean S. Cunningham Films, The Night Co., Focus Features
About The Last House on the Left
Dennis Iliadis directed the 2009 film "The Last House on the Left," a remake of Wes Craven's 1972 horror film. The story centers on teenagers Mari and Paige, who are brutally attacked by a gang led by Krug, a recently escaped convict. When bad weather forces the gang's car off the road, they unknowingly seek refuge in the vacation home of Mari's parents. Upon discovering what their new guests have done, Mari's parents begin to exact revenge.
While the 1972 original has its defenders, some found its tone inconsistent due to elements like humorous music and bumbling police. The 2009 remake addresses these criticisms by adopting a more serious and cohesive approach, aiming for a consistent tone of dread and violence. It commits to its premise, resulting in a film that many viewers found more disturbing and effective than its predecessor.
"The Last House on the Left" is classified across several genres, including Crime, Thriller, Horror, and Drama. The film's keywords emphasize themes of violence and retribution, featuring terms like "rape," "kidnapping," "psychopath," "sadistic," "revenge," and "brutal violence." The narrative explores the lengths to which ordinary people might go when faced with extreme brutality and a desire for justice for their loved ones.
Why you might be searching for The Last House on the Left
People often search for "The Last House on the Left" because of its brutal themes of revenge and the specific acts of violence depicted, particularly the sexual assault and subsequent retribution. The film's connection to the controversial 1972 original, as a remake, also drives interest, as viewers look to compare the two versions and see how the disturbing narrative is handled in a modern context. Viewers are often curious about the plot details involving the victim's parents seeking revenge on their attackers.
What reviewers are saying
A reviewer found the remake of "The Last House on the Left" understandable, noting that the 1972 original was not a cinematic classic itself.
Read the full reviewOne viewer described the film as a good suspense-thriller-horror, praising the performances of Sara Paxton, Aaron Paul, Garret Dillahunt, and Tony Goldwyn, though they acknowledged the difficult sexual assault scene.
Read the full reviewA critic initially had no interest in the 2009 remake, finding the 1972 original difficult to take seriously due to its preposterous storyline and goofy elements, but found the remake to be a near masterpiece for overcoming those flaws.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Last House on the Left* on services like Peacock Premium, Philo, AMC+ (including through Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku channels), and Tubi TV (with ads). It's also available to rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango at Home, or on DVD and Blu-ray from retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The 2009 film *The Last House on the Left* is a remake of the 1972 film of the same name. Neither film is explicitly stated to be based on a true story; they are works of fiction.
After Mari's parents, John and Emma, take revenge on the attackers, they escape with Mari and Justin in a boat to get medical help. The film's ending shows John returning to the cabin where he had paralyzed Krug. John then places Krug's head in a microwave, which he rigged to operate, and Krug's head explodes. This ending shows John, a doctor, intentionally killing Krug, suggesting that revenge can lead even good people to do evil.
*The Last House on the Left* received mixed reviews from critics, with a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some praised it compared to other horror films and remakes, others found it inferior to the original. Audiences gave it a "B" grade on CinemaScore.