Martyrs

4.0

Martyrs elevates the needless violence of the recent torture porn wave of horror releases but its message isn't clear until the final minute of the film. For the most part, it's a flashy, violent affair with a weak script and disturbing concept. It is very slow and meanders around three major plot points.

*Its impossible to fully critique the film without ruining the ending so from here on out is spoiler territory. If you're going to watch the film, I recommend keeping your remote close. I was able to watch the majority of the film sped up and not miss a beat. Or just read the summary on Wikipedia.

The performances are strong, especially considering the demanding actions of the characters. It is technically well-acted and well-directed, even if the script isn't up to snuff. The first third relies on a weak monster device to provide the film's jump scares. While it does contrast the crawling pace of the rest, it feels out of place. The middle of the film is empty, apart from the most disturbing sequence of the film, featuring a surviving "victim." She is far more irking than any Freddys or Jasons and a sick example of man's depravity against itself.

The reveal of the cult promises a rising action but fails to deliver, even in sick thrills. The film was a far cry from its reputation as one of the sickest out there. I'm not sure what that says about me, but is one of many of the film's faults. The torture segment that rules the remaining 25 minutes never reaches the gore level of the Saw movies and is predictable and boring. The final images make up for this fact and stick with you long after the film concludes.

The only redeeming quality of the film is the finale, which contains overt religious overtones. The device of the "divine eyes" looking towards God relates back to Jesus on the cross, the original "martyr." Furthering the comparison, neither martyr deserves any of the pain inflicted and, in sacrificing their ego have transcended pain. The failed "victims" manifested their egos as malevolent external forces, unable to put faith in a higher power, whether it be God or fate. The transcendental sight given to martyrs is the reward for their pain and can only be "witnessed." In this way, the film ends happily. Anna is rewarded for her pain and drives the cult leader to suicide, under the pretense that her divine knowledge can only be gained through experience.

This is a tricky to review. Just because the acting and directing are passable doesn't make up for a terrible script. The film is a truly unenjoyable experience that offers nothing more than an intriguing idea. The film succeeds as a vessel for its theme but is a disastrous picture through and through.