Martyrs

Martyrs are exceptional people. They survive pain, they survive total deprivation. They bear all the sins of the earth. I will never forget this movie. Martyrs was easily one of the most disturbing movies I've ever watched. It's a type of disturbing that doesn't feel purely physical, it's not brought on solely through violence. I'd go far enough and say some of the later Saw movies were more 'violent' than Martyrs. It's a sort of emotional pain that I've only found in three other horror movies, from my memory. Those being The Lodge, Goodnight Mommy and Hereditary. Like those films, characters in Martyrs seem real, grounded, which only makes the suffering, both physical and emotional, all the more painful. Out of the aforementioned group, this film is easily the most viscerally violent, with a noticeable French attitude to gore. I've noticed this in Revenge also, but the human body only has so much blood in it... I've yet to watch any videos explaining this film and its ending, but I think I've reached my conclusion of what it all represents. To me, it seems like a study on trauma. Its effects on the individuals, one those around them, and how it never quite seems to end. I'd recommend going into this movie as blind as possible, but I'm going to briefly mention a few minor plot points throughout the rest of the review to elaborate on my points, so keep reading with caution. The film begins in a place where many others would end, with Lucie escaping her captives and running away. However this is the beginning of the movie, and far from the end of the story. Tragedies don't just end, they continue through trauma. This can also be seen through the various fades to black throughout the movie, which I felt represented moments where the film could end, but didn't. There's a painful sense of nihilism plaguing the film from beginning to end. I wasn't surprised to hear that the director of the film, Pascal Laugier, was depressed whilst making it. It's a harrowing and unforgettable experience, yet it feels purposeful in its sorrow. The film is terrifying because almost none of it feels too far from reality. There's nothing overly elaborate like you'd find in a Saw film, or fantastically satisfying, like in Revenge, but a cold hard slice of reality. My strong emotions whilst watching the movie are only made possible through the writing and the amazing acting which brought the story and the characters to life. Having authentic, believable characters was central in making this story as impactful as it was. At times it was extremely difficult to watch. What I appreciated, plot-wise was how unique the story felt. On paper, the narrative feels like it's been told before, in some shape or form. However, it's the execution that makes it completely different. With partial spoilers, I would describe Martyrs as Revenge meets Parasite, although it predates both of those films. It embodies a sense of mystery throughout. You never know exactly which way the film will lead next, making it all the more terrifying of an experience. As I've mentioned before, every time the screen faded to black the film could have ended, right there. It gets to a point where you have no idea where the plot could go next, and then something new will be introduced. Then you think, "oh that's where the film is leading" before it pulls the rug out from beneath your feet again. As disturbing as it is, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who'd be able to stomach it. I'd been putting it off because I'd heard of how disturbing it was, but after watching it I can now say with certainty that the experience is entirely worth it. It isn't as violent as a lot of other films, in terms of blood and gore, so if that's what you're worried about I'd still say to give it a go, however, if you're particularly sensitive to certain things I might give it a miss. Technically, the only issue I had was how shaky the camera would be at times, making it visually a bit irritating to follow. Unlike most people, I would honestly be okay with rewatching this film. I'm interested in seeing how it holds up when you know which direction it leads. Anyways, I can't believe I watched this and Seed of Chucky in the same week... 9/10 --------------------------------100 Horror Movies in 92 Days Horror List