I’m back with my latest pick for Noteworthy Heroines of Horror! Last time I spotlighted the underrated Kyle from Child’s Play 2, and now it’s time to talk about someone from not only one of my favorite horror pictures of all time, but also one of the best genre offerings of the 2000s. Forget all the ridiculous sequels, Wrong Turn represents the classic straightforward horror film–it is pure suspense and horror from beginning to end and doesn’t distract itself with unnecessary sex scenes or other side-plots. Up against a family of mutant hillbillies in the woods of West Virginia is a group of hot young 20-somethings, one of them being our final girl and noteworthy horror heroine Jessie, played by Eliza Dushku.
Upon first meeting Jessie, she’s not instantly likable. She’s got a bit of an attitude and is stand-offish toward both her friends and Desmond Harrington’s character Chris. It’s explained later in the film that the reason Jessie and her friends are out camping together is because Jessie was dumped by her boyfriend, so she’s understandably pissed. Her icy demeanor quickly melts as she realizes that Chris is a nice guy. However, we know right from the start that this girl might be one to watch out for because she’s obviously got some fire in her.
Jessie proves to be an asset to the survival of the group with each new turn of the plot. It is important to note here that Jessie shows just as much care and concern toward Chris as she does to her friends, never once even thinking about leaving him behind even though he is someone she met only hours prior. She is the one who takes charge in commandeering the hillbillies’ truck and driving it while Scott is distracting them and Chris is hobbled by a bullet wound to the calf. When it comes time to escape the burning watchtower, Jessie barely hesitates as she leaps out the window into the trees. In the ensuing chase, Jessie offers herself as bait to lure one of the mutants into a trap. In the final fight, Jessie saves Chris with a killer shot with a bow and arrow – while still tied to the bed. She goes kamikaze on another as she runs at him and sinks a hatchet into his chest. When things get nasty, this girl has no problem getting down and dirty to get things done.