The horror genre has certainly managed to deliver some of the most disturbing movies we’ve ever seen this century, but perhaps none have been more shocking than a little French movie that managed to traumatize a generation of viewers. Now, it’s set to once again make audiences recoil in revulsion for the low, low cost of nothing thanks to its addition to Tubi next month.
Die-hard fans will already know the film in question, as not many French movies have managed to make an impact the way this one did. While some have argued that it was part of the New French Extremity movement that began at the turn of the century, others say it stands alone as being a violent tale of redemption that’s so much more than its graphic content. No matter which side of the fence you sit on, there’s no denying that it definitely caused quite the stir when it was released in 2008, and to this day remains one of the most disturbing horror movies ever made.
If you haven’t put the pieces together by now, we’re talking about Martyrs, a film that’s reached mythological status as whispers about it being the most brutal movie you’ll ever see have permeated through the horror community ever since it made its debut at the Marché du Film film market in Cannes, and caused a string of walkouts from those who were unable to handle its violence. Directed by Pascal Laugier and starring Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but underneath its brutality is a film about trauma, empathy, and faith that will definitely make you think – if you can get past all the blood. Check out the synopsis below:
“A young girl named Lucie (Jampanoï) escapes from years of brutal captivity and abuse. Traumatized, she grows up haunted by visions of a monstrous figure that torments her. Years later, convinced she has found her former captors, Lucie and her friend Anna (Alaoui) seek revenge. But their act of violence leads them into the grip of a secret cult obsessed with creating ‘martyrs’ — individuals who, through enduring unimaginable suffering, supposedly glimpse the afterlife.”
Is ‘Martyrs’ Really as Violent as People Say It Is?
Mylène Jampanoï in MartyrsWild Bunch
Though many horror movies that you’ve heard about which claim to be “unflinching” don’t necessarily live up to the hype, Martyrs is a film that will make even the most hardened fan watch certain scenes through splayed fingers. There are moments of sheer torture that are hard to watch, self-harm that will make you Google the nearest therapist, and, finally, a scene so disturbing toward the end that it will be seared into your brain forever. For those that have seen it, you know what we’re talking about.
For those that haven’t seen Martyrs, it hits Tubi on October 1, 2025, so now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about as we head on into spooky season. Be warned though: this is a film that will rewrite your DNA and change you forever. It’s not a movie that you watch. It’s a movie that you survive and live to tell the tale about so that you can pass on its secrets to the next generation of movie lovers.
Release Date
September 3, 2008
Runtime
99 Minutes
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Morjana Alaoui
Anna Assaoui
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Mylène Jampanoï
Lucie Jurin
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Catherine Bégin
Mademoiselle
You can view the original article HERE.
