Where was Better Watch Out filmed?
2016
City Locations
Sydney (Australia)
Location Types
Film Studio
Location Styles
Craftsman, Colonial, Modern Building
About Better Watch Out
Uncover the chilling side of the festive season in the 2016 psychological horror film Better Watch Out, directed by the talented Chris Peckover. Boasting a remarkable cast, including Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, and Ed Oxenbould, this movie takes viewers on a thrilling journey that couples the innocent charm of Christmas with sinister undertones.
The story centers on Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), a 17-year-old babysitter responsible for caring for Luke Lerner (Levi Miller), a 12-year-old. As a typical adolescent, Luke harbors romantic feelings for Ashley and attempts to woo her. However, what starts as an innocent crush becomes a nightmare when horrifying events unravel. It's a thrilling tale of deception and survival that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The film pushes boundaries with its unexpected plot twists and immersive performances, earning high praise and an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a commendable score of 67 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics such as Luke Buckmaster of The Guardian have praised the film, giving it 4 out of 5 stars, especially highlighting the powerful performances by the ensemble cast. Bill Goodykoontz of AZ Central also commended the film, recommending it as a must-watch for fans who enjoy a whiff of the macabre in their cinema.
Despite all the praise, Better Watch Out did not bag any significant awards or nominations. Nonetheless, the film's strategic play on cliches and its ability to crawl your skin has cemented its place in psychological horror.
Better Watch Out Locations
Better Watch Out came to life in Sydney, Australia's diverse and captivating landscapes. The enticing offer from Australian producer Brett Thornquest replaced initial plans to shoot in South Carolina for a modest budget of $500,000. Offering a whopping $3 million budget, Thornquest successfully persuaded director Chris Peckover to shift the production to Australia, a move that made more convenient given that Peckover's mother is an Australian native.
Various locations in Sydney provided the backdrop for most scenes, with a significant portion of the production taking place at Disney Studios in Moore Park, a bustling suburb offering a blend of entertainment facilities, sporting venues, and parklands. The Australian metropolis, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, served as a remarkable backdrop, adding a unique charm to the movie.
Despite being filmed in Australia, the movie does an outstanding job of replicating a suburban neighborhood in the United States during Christmas. It is a testament to the magic of Hollywood and the versatility of Australia's landscapes. Considering the beautiful locales, a trip to Better Watch Out filming locations could be worthwhile for movie fans or anyone interested in experiencing the enchanting Australian scenery.
Fun Facts:
Selena Gomez had shown interest in portraying the character of Ashley but chose to prioritize her music career and the impending "Revival Tour."
The trio finds a brick with the "U leave and U die" scene in Better Watch Out
Disney Studios Australia, Building 16/38 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021, Australia
After hearing a window break upstairs, the trio - Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), Luke (Levi Miller), and Garrett (Ed Oxenbould) - find a brick with the ominous message: "U leave and U die." In a state of panic, Garrett attempts to flee through the back door, only to be killed by an unseen shooter. Ashley and Luke, shocked and scared, run upstairs, narrowly avoiding disaster when Ashley almost breaks her neck falling in the attic, but Luke manages to catch her. They retreat to Luke's room and hide in his closet, where they watch in horror as a masked intruder armed with a shotgun enters the room.
Like most of the film, this intense scene sprung to life at Disney Studios Australia. A meticulously crafted set built on a sound stage provided the backdrop for the entire house, including the backyard. Even the snow was artificially created using gelatin and paper, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the scene.
Disney Studios Australia is a renowned Sydney motion picture and television production facility. Occupying the former site of the Sydney Showground at Moore Park, the studio has been instrumental in the production of numerous significant films, including Moulin Rouge!, The Matrix, Star Wars Episodes II and III, Mission: Impossible 2, and Superman Returns.
Get to Sydney, Australia, and once in the city center, you have multiple options to reach the destination. You can drive or take a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes. Alternatively, opt for a bus ride, which usually takes around 30 minutes. However, contact the administration for more information about admission before planning your visit.
Ricky arrives at the house scene in Better Watch Out
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ashley's (Olivia DeJonge) boyfriend, Ricky (Aleks Mikic), arrives at the house. He received a text message from Ashley earlier, and upon failing to find her at the house, he quickly sensed something was amiss.
This suspenseful film segment came to life in Sydney, Australia. It is renowned for its stunning harbourfront, the iconic Sydney Opera House with its unique sail-like design, and the massive Darling Harbour. The arched Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay port, and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden are other attractions that make Sydney a hub of waterside life.
The Sydney Tower Skywalk offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and suburbs. While there are no specified filming locations within Sydney, fans can enjoy a stroll around the city or beach, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.
Fly to Sydney Airport, which is well-serviced by numerous international and domestic airlines. The public transport network is reliable, reasonably priced, and a more convenient alternative to driving.
Conclusion
Better Watch Out is a tale of unexpected unpleasantness that switches its narrative gears in a surprising twist. With its somewhat predictable plot, the film hinges on a twist that reveals the true nature of characters you initially thought were innocent. This sudden shift gives viewers a completely different understanding of their prior behavior and general nature.
The actors' performances are commendable, particularly for their ability to portray stock horror movie characters in an unexpected light. However, the script can be pretty divisive. If you're a viewer who enjoys the unexpected inversion of character tropes and can appreciate the malicious behavior portrayed for a significant part of the film, you might find it intriguing.
Most scenes were filmed in Sydney, Australia, with a significant portion at Disney Studios in Moore Park, a vibrant suburb brimming with entertainment facilities and parklands. The location choices added a unique charm to the movie, contributing to the overall visual appeal.
This could be an intriguing watch if you appreciate films that play with character expectations and openly showcase malicious behavior. As for visiting the filming locations, Sydney offers a rich tapestry of experiences beyond the filming locales, making it a worthwhile destination for any traveler. But for movie fans, exploring the specific filming locations could add an extra layer of enjoyment to their visit.