Chernobyl Diaries

In 1986, the world witnessed the greatest nuclear accident of all time. In 2012, six young tourists backpacking across Europe are after a thrill ride, setting off on an expedition through the deserted town of Prypiat, within the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

Denied access to the region in proximity of the former power plant by the Ukranian army, the group think that they’re in luck, as their tour guide Uri knows the region well enough to get them in via the forest. Passing between the eerily departed residential blocks, signs of the fallout become apparent – with mutated fish in one of the ponds attacking Uri’s beef jerky with their extremely large teeth. This and a shock in the form of a brief encounter with a wild bear are just the beginning of their problems.

Whilst exploring the tower blocks that used to house power plant employees, Uri hears some strange noises, and upon going to investigate with Chris (McCartney), is attacked by savage dogs. When shots are fired, the group runs to help, but find only a severely injured Chris. Without their guide and unable to start the van that brought them there, the backpackers bunker down for the night. The following morning a blood trail leads them to Uri’s remains underground and it soon becomes clear that there is plenty more to these goings on than wild dogs in the night.

Breakthrough director Parker brings his visual effects background (Fight Club & xXx) to this horror with a scientific twist. With the support of screenwriter Oren Peli (the Paranormal Activity franchise) the product is a slick, tense and enjoyable debut which will keep you perched on the edge of your seat.

Robert Gardner