Carnifex (2022) is an Australian creature feature that brings primal terror to the ravaged post-bushfire outback. Directed by Sean Lahiff, the film follows aspiring documentary filmmaker Bailey (Alexandra Park) and two conservationists, Grace (Sisi Stringer) and Ben (Harry Greenwood), as they venture deep into the wilderness.

Their mission is to record wildlife displaced by the devastating fires, but they soon find themselves being tracked by something far more dangerous than any known animal.

The movie’s core strength lies in its slow, atmospheric buildup. Director Lahiff, an experienced editor, uses sound and shadows masterfully, keeping the titular monster—a terrifying new species descended from the supposedly extinct Thylacoleo carnifex (the Marsupial Lion)—mostly off-screen.

This “less is more” approach cultivates a sense of growing dread, reminiscent of classic thrillers. The isolation and the vast, beautiful-yet-menacing Australian bush act as potent antagonists, heightening the characters’ vulnerability.

Beyond the suspense, Carnifex attempts to ground its horror in eco-critical themes. It suggests that the recent environmental upheaval forced this ancient predator out of hiding.

While the film delivers a gripping, tension-filled survival experience, some critics noted that the creature’s design, when fully seen, was a little underwhelming compared to the build-up, and the environmental messaging occasionally felt overshadowed by monster movie clichés.

Overall, Carnifex (2022) is a solid, serviceable horror entry. It earns praise for its use of atmosphere, striking location, and a patient, suspenseful pace. If you appreciate a film where the environment is as terrifying as the monster and prefer creeping tension over immediate gore, this Aussie thriller is definitely worth a watch. It’s a stark reminder that in the wild, sometimes, the things that were meant to be extinct find a way back.