*SPOILER* This is a brilliant but totally divisive horror film amongst genre fans. Originally titled Switchblade Romance Lionsgate picked up the release along with House of 1000 Corpses to rope in starved horror audiences. Sadly the domestic release had awful dubbing but the goods were still there. It centers around two young women Marie and Alexia who are driving into the French countryside to spend time with family and do some studying. Late at night they are attacked by a brutal serial killer who kills Alexia's family including her little brother and takes her hostage. Marie is the only one to get away and chooses to follow the man which leads us to some of the most intense sequences ever seen in the genre. As the movie barrels towards it's fierce climax we suddenly are made aware that Marie is the actual villain and we've been experiencing the film through her minds eye. This is what pushes people off alot because they feel very misled. But in my opinion the twist really works and even enhances the proceedings because Marie has a romantic crush on Alexia and because of her inability to be honest about her feelings it has led her to create a violent persona as an outlet. Sure it's a lot to bite but it's quite intriguing. Also splatter movie fans won't be disappointed because theres a multitude of impressive cringe worthy practical effects and waves of the red stuff. Cecille De France is amazing as Marie making the character feel genuine on every front. And as for the direction from future star film maker Alexander Aja the movie is an inspired work of genre cinema showing a ton of promise and a truly refreshing outlook.
Budget: $2.5M
Box Office: $6.8M
8.5/10
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