Rating of
3.5/4
Don't Cry, Don't Raise Your Eye...
Chris Kavan - wrote on 06/12/09
I think Martyrs is the first horror film in a long while (probably since Audition) that has affected me on so many levels. The movie switches up so many times, that even though you think you know what's coming, it takes you in an entirely new direction. What's more, the emotional journey has just as much impact as the hard-to-watch violence does.
I don't know what it is, but the French seem to have figured out a good balance - High Tension, Inside and now Martyrs have proven that you can have plenty of gore but still craft a good story. While I can enjoy Hostel on a visceral level, Martyrs is whole different level - something deeper. It's one of those films that will stick with you for days or longer. The ending is left open to interpretation, but one thing is for certain - it's not a happy ending. It's bleak no matter what angle you view it from.
Many people will be quick to label this as just another torture-porn entry, but even though it displays all the hallmark signs, I think it has much more resonance than your standard gore-infused movie. Give it a try, but only if you can handle it.
