International Horror: A World of Frights Beyond Hollywood
Although American horror movies, especially those with arthouse sensibilities, have been enjoying a continuous streak of success in recent years, discerning movie-goers still know to look beyond Hollywood for their horror fix. Whether it’s the eerie atmosphere of J-Horror or the raw intensity of the New French Extremity, many acclaimed American horror films simply can’t compete with their international counterparts.
As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the groundbreaking French horror film, High Tension, it’s worth revisiting the impact it had on audiences and the genre itself. A seminal force of the New French Extremity—an arthouse horror movement characterized by graphic violence and subversive stories—High Tension remains a prime example of the movement and launched the career of the immensely talented Alexandre Aja, who later directed the remake of The Hills Have Eyes.
High Tension: A Gripping Tale of Terror and Obsession
The basic premise of High Tension is simple yet effective: two college friends head to an isolated farmhouse for a working vacation, only to have their peaceful retreat shattered by a grotesque serial killer who brutally attacks the family. One girl manages to evade the killer while the other is abducted, leading to a deadly and increasingly bizarre game of cat and mouse.
What may not be immediately apparent is the diverse range of influences that inspired the film. High Tension draws from the extreme violence and sexuality of the classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), the psychosexual underpinnings of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960), the suspenseful chase in Steven Spielberg’s Duel (1971), and the intimate friendship between the two girls reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman’s Persona (1966). This eclectic mix of styles, stories, and characters creates a viewing experience that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
High Tension vs. Torture Porn: A Crucial Distinction
While comparisons to the controversial “torture porn” sub-genre of American horror movies are understandable, it’s important to recognize the significant differences between the two. Torture porn films, such as Hostel (2005) and Saw (2004), focus primarily on moving from one gruesome set piece to another with little regard for plot or story development. In contrast, New French Extremity films like High Tension use graphic violence and gore to directly highlight social and political unease, making these elements integral to the film’s themes and narrative.
A Must-Watch for Horror Enthusiasts
High Tension is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of desire, obsession, and rejection, offering not only a snapshot of France at the turn of the millennium but also an intriguing companion piece to other celebrated French films like Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013). If you haven’t seen this film yet and have even a passing interest in the horror genre, you owe it to yourself to check it out as soon as possible. While the dubbed and edited-down version is not the ideal way to experience the film, it’s widely available on streaming services like Shudder and Hulu, making it a convenient option for those eager to dive into this French horror masterpiece.
Rating: 4/5
Follow Us
