High Tension (French: Haute tension, released in the UK as Switchblade Romance) is a 2003 French horror film that was later released in 2004 in the UK and 2005 in the US and Canada. The film, directed by Alexandre Aja, stars Cécile de France, Maïwenn, and Philippe Nahon. The film was cut to get an R theatrical rating in the USA but has been releases uncut both ther and in the UK on DVD and Blu-ray.
Two college friends, Marie and Alexa, encounter loads of trouble (and blood) while on vacation at Alexa’s parents’ country home when a mysterious killer invades their quiet getaway…
All of the effects are created by renowned horror make-up artist Giannetto De Rossi, a favorite of late director Lucio Fulci. High Tension has been associated with the New French Extremity movement.
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“Cecile De France delivers a powerful performance despite all the limitations of her character. But since Tension is a Teen Slasher, it has its share of plot contrivances. A lot of questions will pop up as you watch the movie, things that the filmmakers count on answering with a Big Reveal. The film’s big plot twist doesn’t come completely out of left field, but it also doesn’t allow the audience to really guess at it beforehand either. That may seem like a cheat to most, myself included, but again — Haute Tension just does it so well, you’ll probably forgive it.” Beyond Hollywood
“Flaws aside, High Tension is without a doubt, one of the best all around genre efforts that I’ve seen in recent years, and that’s really saying something. I can’t recommend it enough and if you don’t check it out, it’s truly your loss.” Lawrence P. Raffel, Monsters at Play
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Categories: 2000s, French horror, gory, insanity, maniac, psychological horror, psychopath, slasher
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