Review of Martyrs (2008) by Gabriel K — 21 Nov 2010

Not an easy movie to watch or review on that matter. First let's clear up some misconceptions. This is NOT a "torture porn", nor it is a horror movie. While it has elements of a horror movie, it has an complex plot that is more of a thriller/mystery/sci-fi. It's actually hard to categorize as the story completely changes directions a couple of times and morphs into something entirely different when you least expect it. In fact this is what keeps you glued to the screen, you have no idea where the story is going or what's coming next, so you keep watching and watching, you are completely mesmerized by it as what you see on screen gets more and more violent and graphic, but you keep watching unable to turn away. I'm not an easily impressible person, but I swear I was completely consumed by it, and by the end I was in some kind of a shock, or maybe numb is better way to describe it. The ending must have been the final punch - as the credits started to roll, I was just staring at the screen, completely dumbfounded by what I've seen. I literally wasn't myself for a few days after watching this movie, it took some time to "recover".

I don't know how the director managed to create a movie that has such an effect on its viewers - basically it mesmerizes you and knocks you out when you least expect it. Not an easy movie to watch and not something I would recommend to the squeamish or easily impressible people, but if you are looking for a movie experience you will likely never forget, give it a shot. You may not like what you will see, but you are guaranteed to be blown away.

A word of caution though. Do not read reviews with spoilers or watch the trailer. This movie heavily depends on the surprise factor so if you know what's coming, you may as well not bother.