High Tension

I like comedic horror films just fine, but sometimes it’s refreshing to watch a straight-ahead, no-winks scary movie. High Tension, previously released in its native France, is that movie.

Directed and co-written by Alexandre Aja (who is currently directing the remake of Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes), High Tension follows two young college friends, Marie (Cecile De France, from the Around the World in 80 Days remake) and Alexia (Maiwenn, the alien opera singer from The Fifth Element) on their weekend of unexpected horror out in the country.

Hoping to prepare for their college exams in peace and quiet, they decide to spend some time at Alexia’s parents' secluded — very secluded — farmhouse where there isn’t even a cell phone within 20 miles. In the dead of night, a stranger knocks on the front door and with the first swing of his knife, the girls’ idyllic time away turns an exercise in running away.

Reverentially borrowing elements from Maniac, Intensity, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Jeepers Creepers to name just a few, Aja weaves together a pretty convincing tale of terror (until it falls apart at the end, but I won’t reveal anything more than that). The boogeyman, played by Philippe Nahon, is truly disgusting and horrifying, and the death scenes are all that any gore-hound could hope for. In gory grand gugnal style, with a grindhouse vibe, High Tension definitely lives up to its name.

Steeped in a genuinely jittery mood tinged with a tone of dread, High Tension is aided by beautiful cinematography (thank you for not shaking the camera, Maxime Alexandre) and excellent sets and locations, the movie goes by quickly and may not be the most memorable in time, but hang on because it’s a wild ride while it lasts.

= = =

Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson

Don't forget to read Horror.com's exclusive interview with the director here.