Martyrs

Jun 02, 2009 | No Comments

What is a martyr?  An advocate of God?  A person who willingly sacrifices their lives for the lives of many?  Or is it simply a person, a person like you or I, who has been put through hell and back?  This film attempts to not only answer and explain the purpose of a martyr, but also show us just how strong we are.  Written and directed by Pascal Laugier, “Martyrs” took the 2008 Cannes film festival by storm when it was first screened, and has just recently been purchased by the Weinstein Company for a remake.

Lucie, a child who was kidnapped and tortured, escaped from her assailents hideout at an old slaughterhouse and ended up at an orphanage where she befriended Anna.  Lucie is quiet, keeps to herself, and tells only Anna of what she sees.  The visions of creatures at the foot of her bed, the creatures that call to her, that hurt her in the night.  Fifteen years later Lucie, for what appears to be no reason, massacres a family of four with a shotgun to appease the demon that is constantly stalking and hurting her.

After a brief phone call, Anna shows up to help clean up what is left of the family and to console her only friend.  Anna makes a mistake when she finds one of the family members isn’t dead.  Putting her friendship with Lucie on the line, she attempts to help the woman escape.  However, the discovery of a cellar hidden behind a bookcase in the house reveals the true motive behind Lucie’s killings, and something that we as a species will always seek an answer to.

“Martyrs” is not the first French horror film to shock audiences with graphic imagery and twisted plots.  2003′s “Haute Tension”, and 2006′s “Ils” boasted a gritty film stock, disturbing murders, and a plot that kept you guessing until the end.  However there was one thing that both of those films were missing, a solid purpose.  Though the films were terrifying, the audience had no way to relate to the purpose of the film.  Aside from the obvious fact, they all went to get “grossed out”.  This is the undeniable first impression of what you will receive with “Martyrs”, however Pascal managed to weave such and intricate and ever changing plot, that the film stops being a catalyst for terror and becomes a test.  A test of our strength, our will, and our entire system of beliefs.

With an amazing cast, and an overall terrifying ambiance, this film pushes all boundaries, asks all questions, yet expects no answers.  This film is something for the curious, the timid, and the strong all alike.  When we are asked to be martyrs, it is usually the most unexpected that can fulfill the task.  So as you’re cowering behind blankets with split fingers over your eyes as you watch this film, repeatedly ask yourself, “Am I a martyr?”

Trailer:

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