Struggle for Survival in Claustrophobic House of Horrors

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MOVIE REVIEW
Frontier(s) – Original title: Frontière(s)
NC-17 –

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2007, 2023 Second Sight Films
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Xavier Gens
Writer(s): Xavier Gens
Cast: Karina Testa, Aurélien Wiik, Patrick Ligardes, Samuel Le Bihan, Estelle Lefébure, David Saracino, Chems Dahmani, Maud Forget, Amélie Daure
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: Limited Edition Blu-ray Box set alongside a Standard Edition version from Second Sight Films on July 24, 2023; pre-order here www.secondsightfilms.co.uk, or www.amazon.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: With Xavier Gens at the helm, the film FRONTIER(S) emerges as a hauntingly memorable spectacle that seamlessly blends political intrigue with an exploration of the darker sides of humanity. Gens' unique vision has undoubtedly left audiences mesmerized and disturbed for over 15 years after the film's release. Now it's getting a brand-new lease of life via an impressively crafted Limited Edition from Second Sight Films.

Packed in a sturdy, hardcover case with custom artwork from James Neal and featuring an anthology of stimulating essays, the Limited Edition of FRONTIER(S) makes for a compelling addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Its exclusive content is a tantalizing buffet of delights – candid interviews, sneak peeks behind the scenes, and in-depth analyses by esteemed film critics Zoë Rose Smith and Kelly Gredner.

In FRONTIER(S), Gens transports us to the heart of dystopian-esque Paris, a city teetering on the brink of chaos due to the rise of a ruthless right-wing faction. This turbulent atmosphere is a veritable playground for a band of small-time crooks who capitalize on the anarchy to embark on a spree of reckless looting. However, their opportunistic adventure spirals out of control, forcing them to exit the city that’s in turmoil.

The narrative takes us from the urban chaos to a quiet countryside inn where the fleeing gang seeks refuge. This is where they encounter the peculiar Von Geisler clan, whose initial eccentricities soon give way to a chilling hostility. The Von Geislers, who harbor dreams of purifying their Aryan lineage, view the “helpless” Yasmine (played brilliantly by Karina Testa) as a potential tool for realizing their twisted ambitions.

From here on, the storyline descends into a macabre landscape where the inn's once welcoming atmosphere transforms into a claustrophobic house of horrors. The gang finds themselves trapped in a world teetering on the brink of madness, with the specter of death constantly looming over them. Their struggle for survival becomes a symphony of nightmares, replete with gruesome encounters involving slaughterhouse instruments, feral swine, accidental shootings, human-eating predators, and harrowing lessons in neo-Nazi doctrines. The film starts with a relatively slow burn but goes full force once it shifts into second gear!

Gens' journey in cinema has been exceptional, marked by his apprenticeship under esteemed filmmakers such as Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark, and Philippe de Broca. These experiences set the stage for Gens to make his mark in feature films, resulting in the birth of FRONTIER(S). Gens' vision in FRONTIER(S) echoes Tobe Hooper's iconic THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE but still reveals its unique identity. The film's socio-political commentary, inspired by the turbulent period in France during the early 2000s, resembles the underlying themes in the works of George Romero.

While FRONTIER(S) borrows threads from other cinema classics, it depicts human resilience under brutal circumstances making it a beast all its own. Its capacity to shock, disturb, and provoke thoughts ensures it remains a significant entry in its genre. The release of FRONTIER(S) from Second Sight is a well-deserved tribute to this one-of-a-kind cinematic venture.

Special Features
– Audio Commentary with Zoë Rose Smith and Kelly Gredner
– Reinventing the Extreme: a new interview with Director Xavier Gens
– Going Method: a new interview with actor Karina Testa
– A Light in the Dark: a new interview with Actor Maud Forget
– Lights, Camera… Fear: a new interview with Cinematographer Laurent Barès
– Sounds of Violence: a new interview with Composer Jean-Piere Taïeb
– The Making of Frontier(s)
– Fotografik Short Film
– Xavier Gens Highschool Trailers
– Frontier(s) Trailers
– Storyboard Comparisons
– Behind-the-Scenes Photos with commentary by Xavier Gens and Karina Testa
– Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by Xavier Gens and Karina Testa

Limited Edition Contents
– Rigid slipcase with new artwork by James Neal
– 70-page book with new essays by Dr. Sarah Cleary, Mark H Harris, Carolyn Mauricette, and Alexandra West
– Six collectors' art cards

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT FILMS]