The Ruins: A Vacation Nightmare
Two American couples, barely out of their twenties, are whiling away the last days of their vacation at a Mexican resort. They spend their time playing cards by the pool and debating the likelihood of contracting hepatitis B from their margaritas, a concern stemming from the area’s questionable plumbing. Their routine is interrupted by a blond German who intrigues them with tales of undiscovered ruins, unearthed by his brother, marked only on a dubious, ancient map. The group, whose adventures have been limited to the poolside, decides to venture into the jungle, despite their impending flights home. They even bring along a Greek acquaintance for good measure.
From Paradise to Peril
The ruins turn out to be a vine-covered pyramid, and it quickly becomes clear why it’s avoided by locals. Emerging from the jungle, indigenous people, speaking an unknown language, lay siege to the pyramid, trapping the tourists. When the bewildered travelers accidentally touch the vines, they are met with a barrage of arrows and gunfire. Cornered on the pyramid’s summit, their options dwindle: descend into the pyramid’s depths, where the malevolent vines thrive and a cell phone eerily rings; attempt a desperate escape through the jungle, risking a hail of bullets; or succumb to wounds and starvation, relying on the unlikely rescue by their Greek friend.
A Descent into Exploitation
Starting with poolside scenes and the classic blonde-brunette dynamic, “The Ruins” quickly evolves into an old-school exploitation film. It harkens back to a time when filmmakers shocked audiences with killer bulldozers or brain-sucking giant leeches. It’s a nod to the “jungle-exploitation” subgenre of the 70s, where naive travelers stumble upon unspeakable horrors in the jungle’s heart, with little hope of returning home.
Body Horror and Tough Choices
The horror unfolds on the pyramid’s summit, following the classic “tropical carnage” formula, but with a twist. While the carnivorous vines play a role, the tourists inflict most of the gruesome damage upon themselves. One victim’s rhetorical question, “Four Americans can’t just disappear on vacation!”, is answered with a full-blown slasher scenario. A highlight is the blonde who addresses her cellulite by carving off a chunk of her thigh with a kitchen knife. Another memorable moment is the group vote on whether to amputate the German’s legs. Be warned: they actually do it. And the Greeks are still on their way.
A Surprisingly Competent Horror Flick
While the film’s premise and characters might seem clichéd, “The Ruins” is redeemed by decent direction, impressive vines from DreamWorks, and likable actors who portray relatable young people, rather than the morally bankrupt elite. Gena Malone, known for her work in “Container,” brings an unexpected intelligence to her role.
If you’re prepared to witness a blonde’s appetizing flank and severed legs atop an Aztec pyramid, then your time spent exploring “The Ruins” will not be wasted.