Switchblade Romance
Director: Alexandre Aja
Starring: Cecille de France, MaÏwenn Le Besto, Philippe Nahon, Franck Khalfoun, Andrei Finti and Oana Pellea
Running Time:91 Minutes
Release Date: TBC
Reviewed by: Pam Creais
As directed by Alexandre Aja, this French thriller, released there under the title Haute Tension, is a return to ultra-violent slasher territory of early to mid-80’s with a Gallic setting.
Marie (Around the World in 80 Days’s Cecille de France) travels to the remote rural house of her friend Alex’s family. They are both students and have gone there to revise for exams on international law. During the night, an unknown man forces his way inside the house and murders each family member, until only Marie and Alex (MaÏwenn Le Besto) are left alive. Marie must call on all her strength and cunning if they are to avoid the same fate.
After a leisurely opening that hints at sinister events to come, the film kicks off for real on a rollercoaster ride of terror that doesn’t let up until the big payoff at the end. It is not a film for the faint-hearted as there is much graphic, bloody violence and the camera does not shy away from revealing the butchery. Full marks to the special make up effects creator (Italian veteran Giannetto De Rossi) on this score. There is a dirty, gritty feel to the film that plays like a grindhouse exploitation movie with its harsh, jarring soundtrack and contrasts of bright lights and deep shadows. Cecille de France gives an impressive performance as the tortured Marie in what must have been a very physically and emotionally demanding role.
However, the final twist, when it comes, is something of a non-starter in terms of believability and one that undermines the impact of what’s gone before. It’s almost as if Aja and co-writer Gregory Levasseur were so intent in coming up with a big surprise ending, that they overlooked the effect it’d have on the overall plausibility of the film. A pity but it’s the only real failing in what is essentially a perverse delight for lovers of gore and twisted terror.
