Martyrs
They haven't finished being alive.
Overview
A young woman’s quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tortured her as a child leads her and her best friend, also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Martyrs (2008) is a French-Canadian psychological horror film that has garnered attention for its disturbing content and controversial themes. It was directed by Pascal Laugier, who aimed to create an emotionally impactful film that would stay with the audience long after viewing.
- Offers a unique blend of horror, revenge, and coming-of-age themes that are uncommon in the genre. The disturbing visuals and shocking narrative make it memorable. The performances by the lead actors, particularly Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï, are compelling and intense.
- The film explores heavy and thought-provoking themes such as trauma, revenge, and the human condition, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate films that challenge their senses and intellect.
- Features some gory and graphic scenes which may not be suitable for all viewers but are an integral part of its horror genre and storytelling.
Fun Facts
- The film was a critical and commercial success in France but faced challenges in other countries due to its extreme content, leading to cuts or bans in some regions. The director, Pascal Laugier, has mentioned that he wanted to create a film that would not be easy to watch but would leave a lasting impression.
- There is a subplot involving a cult-like organization called the 'Family', which may have been influenced by real-life cases of secretive and abusive religious groups. This adds an element of unsettling reality to the film's fiction.
- The original title of the movie, 'Les Touristes', was changed to 'Martyrs' during post-production due to its misleading connotations as a tourist horror film.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"They haven't finished being alive."
Deutsch
DE
Title:
""
Italiano
IT
Title:
"Odierete quello che vedrete, ma adorerete odiare quello che vedrete."
Français
FR
Title:
"Elles n'ont pas fini d'être vivantes."
普通话
CN
Title: 殉难者
""
Português
PT
Title:
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Rated this 5/10 due to large amounts of repeated and gratuitous violence.
Is it worth torturing people to find out if there is life after death?
This movie's answer seems to be "Keep doubting".
Martyrs: Greek for Witness.
Martyrs is written and directed by Pascal Laugier. It stars Morjana Alaoui and Mylene Jampanoi.
The New French Extremity Movement had its bar raised considerably by Pascal Laugier’s brutal but thought provoking horror. It’s a film as uncompromising as it is confrontational, a picture guaranteed to get a response for better or worse. Once viewed it simply will not be forgotten, the images, the twisty narrative thematics and the bloodshed that flows consistently throughout the story, Laugier and his two brilliant lead actresses assault the senses, magnificently so.
Story is unfurled as a three tiered structure, each one devastating, but it’s with the final third where the picture goes up through the stratosphere, stopping briefly at the café weird just to further tickle our craniums. Some of the violence here is tough to watch, and it’s no surprise to find it was met with the inevitable charges of misogyny. Yet the culmination of it all puts some perspective on the violence witnessed, leading to a strangely profound and moving climax.
The less you know about it going in for the first time the better. A strong stomach is required, as is an open mind, if you have these things then awaiting you is a visceral masterwork, one of the finest horror film’s to have ever come out of France. Yes, it’s that astonishing. 10/10
I wrote this once to describe my philosophy on what movies/TV I like:
"Ravenous fan of dark, edgy movies & TV. They should glue you to the screen and stay in your dreams."
Martyrs is one of a handful that describes that perspective to the T, and it is the kind of horror movie that you should go in completely clueless about the plot to enjoy the many twists that you won't see coming.
A big caveat: this is "advanced" horror -- gut-wrenching, gory and very disturbing. Definitely not for everybody.
64/100
Martyrs delivers an intriguing and original concept but doesn't quite reach its full potential. It borrows a page from Terrifier's playbook by dispatching the superior actress early which leaves a noticeable performance void. The third act hits a bit of a lull, but rebounds with a gripping and shocking climax that's sure to leave an impression. While it may not fully flesh out (no pun intended) its premise, Martyrs is worth a watch for horror fans looking for a unique and unsettling experience.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
Masters of Cinema Trailer [Subtitled]
Trailer
MARTYRS (2008) Trailer Remastered HD
Trailer
Martyrs 2008 Trailer