A Tense Journey Into Fear and Identity

Read Time:4 Minute, 17 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
High Tension (Haute tension)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2003, 2024 Second Sight 4k
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Alexandre Aja
Writer(s): Alexandre Aja, Grégory Levasseur
Cast: Cécile De France, Maïwenn, Philippe Nahon
Where To Watch: available January 22, 2024; pre-order here www.secondsightfilms.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: HIGH TENSION is a gripping journey into the depths of psychological horror, masterfully directed by Alexandre Aja. Set against France's calm, rural landscape, the film spins a tale of Marie (Cécile de France) and Alexa (Maïwenn,) two friends whose tranquil weekend getaway morphs into a terrifying battle for survival. This film is a thought-provoking piece that lingers in your mind well after the credits roll. Not for everyone, the graphic subgenre of New French Extremity, the film pushes you to the edge of terror grounded in reality.

In HIGH TENSION, the tranquility of a country house is shattered by the arrival of an evil stranger, setting the scene for a narrative that will have you looking over your shoulder. The film brilliantly combines suspense with an exploration of the unpredictable nature of terror as we address the film’s polarizing finale, which lets you think that, initially, the twist might seem a bit overreaching. However, a closer look reveals the subtlety of Aja’s storytelling, rewarding the more observant audience members with a layered cinematic experience.

Aja’s skill in crafting tension is one of the film's highlights, bringing well-deserved critical acclaim. Aja's clear and compelling vision for HIGH TENSION shines through at every turn; it is an organized and intentional film that knows what it wants to do. His knack for creating a tense atmosphere is a testament to his directorial style.

Cécile de France’s portrayal of Marie stands out, showcasing a solid female lead reminiscent of the genre's iconic characters. HIGH TENSION goes beyond traditional horror boundaries, delving into identity crisis and psychological conflict themes. The film's narrative weaves the stories of Marie, Alexa, and the enigmatic killer, enhancing suspense and emotional depth.

On the technical front, HIGH TENSION excels. Maxime Alexandre’s cinematography and Gianneto de Rossi’s special effects work together to create a cohesive and gripping visual experience.

HIGH TENSION is a bold reimagining of a genre that had felt stale, marking a significant contribution to the French film landscape. Aja's direction merges intense horror with a nuanced narrative, crafting a movie that is as visually striking as intellectually stimulating. Despite its potentially divisive ending, HIGH TENSION stands out as a compelling and unique exploration of horror and psychological depth, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking more than just a scare.

This is yet another example of Second Sight’s attention to detail, releasing the best possible versions of so many notable films; with INSIDE already announced and the upcoming POSSESSOR and GREEN ROOM just put up for pre-order, the label is looking towards another solid year of fantastic releases.

Special Features
Dual format edition including both UHD and Blu-ray with main feature and bonus features on both discs
UHD presented in HDR10+ created by Second Sight Films and approved by Director Alexandre Aja
New audio commentary by Dr. Lindsay Hallam
An Experiment in Suspense: A New Interview with Alexandre Aja
The Man in the Shadows: A New Interview with Writer Grégory Levasseur
The Darker, the Better: An Interview with Cinematographer Maxime Alexandre
The Great French Massacre: An Interview with Special Effects Artist Giannetto De Rossi
Only the Brave: Alexandra Heller-Nicholas on High Tension
Archive 'Making of' featurette
Archive Interview with Cécile De France
Archive Interview with Maïwenn
Archive Interview with Philippe Nahon

Limited Edition Contents
Rigid slipcase with new artwork by James Neal
70-page book with new essays by Anna Bogutskaya, Prince Jackson, Stacie Ponder, and Zoë Rose Smith
Six collectors' art cards

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT FILMS]

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