The countryside.  Weather it's here in America, or elsewhere – like France for instance – the countryside seems to be where the most weird, scariest, tales are told.  The city has it's own fear levels too, but in the country, who's really going to hear your cries for help and safety?  Seeing as how I don't like giving away the plot to the movies I review, I'm going to stop here, and let High Tension speak for itself.

Our main characters in this film are Marie, and Alexia (Alex from here on).  These two are having trouble studying at school, and figured why not get away from all the hustle and bustle of school, and go someplace where silence is free and plentiful: Alex's parents house, in the French Countryside.  Once there, Alex introduces Marie to her father, her little brother (probably step-brother). She'll introduce her to her mother in the morning, because she's already in bed upstairs.  The two students  set up what subjects they'll study first, and Alex heads upstairs to tuck in her brother.  Marie has another plan...  

Marie goes outside for a cigarette, and sits on the swing while doing so.  After she goes back in, she turns on her Walkman, and begins to take matters into her own hands – quite literally. While this is going on, a strange van makes it's way to the house.  Who's driving it?  And why is he heading the Alex's house at this late hour?  The doorbell rings, and Alex's father goes downstairs to answer the door.  Big Mistake.

At this point in the movie, the unbelievable becomes reality.  This style pays homage to the slasher films found here in America in the mid to late 70's through to the early 80's, but the way the twists are laid out, are just something you'll have to see to believe.  This movie is by no means to be viewed by those under 21 (in my opinion).  The violence is VERY graphic, the subject matter is of an adult nature.  I'm sure there's even a lot of parents who would turn this off themselves.  Here's my advice:  If you're watching it, WATCH IT FROM BEGINNING TO END.  If you stop, you will miss one of the most interesting plot twists I've seen since OLDBOY (reviewed here).  This is one hell of a film, and everyone played their parts VERY well.  Especially Marie.  You'll see.  Enjoy!

– Brian K. James