DVD Review: Martyrs - Page 2

That's right, the story begins as a tale of revenge. Lucie was able to uncover who it was who held her captive for so very long. The question remains, at least for Anna, are these people the right ones? How can Lucie be so sure? We do not know, we are not given the necessary information and must rely on Lucie, who seems to be rather unbalanced. Can you blame her?

The two women stay at the house to clean up their mess, but Lucie is bad shape. She is haunted by a mysterious figure and her sanity is taking a leave of absence. Meanwhile, Anna is having her doubts while trying to keep the pieces together.

At this stage of the story everything changes. What we thought we knew, what we think will happen, everything stops in its tracks to be picked up completely off the rails and set down on another track and sent along its way in an entirely new direction running perpendicular to the original thread, and most definitely not parallel.

What comes next, I dare not say. Let me just say that it is dark, violent, and uncompromising. It is a disturbing passage of film that has seared itself into my mind. There are moments that made me cringe, images that urged me to turn it off, passages that made me question the filmmaker's humanity. Then, when we learn of why they are doing it, let's just say it is jaw-dropping and will leave you questioning just what happened. It is clear that they use a different, but valid, definition for the word "martyr," for what they are are doing borders on the spiritual as a witness is sought. You see, the villain is not doing this for the sake of torturing someone or inflicting pain — they have a goal of attaining a different level of being, or at least bearing witness to that level. Yes, the metaphysical elements.

The performances are utterly convincing and only add to the disturbing nature of the tale. Particularly notable is Morjana Alaoui as Anna. What she puts herself through for the sake of the movie is unbelievable. You will feel for her, you will forget you are watching a performance. She is that good. Not for nothing, Mylène Jampanoï as Lucie is also quite strong in her portrayal of a woman in torment. Absolutely chilling.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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