Review of Martyrs (2008) by Stephen L — 19 Aug 2011
Probably too built up, but for some reason this movie fell a bit flat. Really scary and I'm impressed that they didn't pull a million jump scares like a modern American horror movie but it lacked something that I feel would have made it more special.
It was shot very close to the action which does increase the tension and as someone who's seen too many horror movies, kept me on the edge of my seat in fear of a jump scare, but I wish they would just pull the camera back a little bit so I can see the full scope of what's going on.
In my opinion, environment is one of the most important elements of horror movie and this one used its setting quite well I must admit. They really tried to make this movie more of a shocker than a chiller which is fine, but not my preferred mode of horror.
I am extremely susceptible to human on human cruelty and it's one of the only things along with mutilation that really frustrate and disgust me so this movie did make me feel a level of fear, but it felt like such a low blow that I can't really call it effective.
Disgust is not a worthy substitute for fear which is something horror directors save for a few have collectively forgotten a long time ago. Final verdict: will scare the living bejesus out of you but will probably be forgotten soon after.
This review of Martyrs (2008) was written by Stephen L on 19 Aug 2011.
Martyrs has generally received mixed reviews.
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