Martyrs

A revenge mission leads two young women to the heart of a deranged cult, in Pascal Laugier’s notoriously brutal and unflinching horror.

The apex of both the New French Extremity movement and modern horror in general, the jugular jolting Martyrs has been dividing critics and audiences ever since its Cannes premiere in 2008. Lucie (Jampanoï) claims revenge against the people who kidnapped and tortured her as a child, unwittingly leading herself and her friend Anna (Alaoui) into a trap.

Viewer discretion is advised for this upsetting yet horrifically fascinating work. Martyrs is a film infected with violence: brutal, unforgiving, and perhaps the holy grail. Contains scenes of graphic violence that some viewers may find distressing, plus flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.