High Tension

Synopsis

High Tension, a French horror-thriller film released in 2003, follows two college friends, Marie and Alex, as they embark on a weekend trip to Alex's parents' secluded farmhouse. Their peaceful getaway is shattered when a relentless killer invades the home, setting off a nightmarish game of cat-and-mouse. As Marie fights to survive and protect Alex, the tension escalates to harrowing levels. Combining intense suspense, brutal violence, and unexpected twists, High Tension keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the true nature of the killer's motives is revealed. Featuring a standout performance by Cécile de France, the film delivers a chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Cast

• 

  Cécile de France

  Marie

• 

  Maïwenn

  Alexia

• 

  Philippe Nahon

  The Killer

• 

  Andrei Finti

  Alex' Father

• 

  Oana Pellea

  Alex' Mother

• Marco Claudiu Pascu

  Tom

Reviews

High Tension, also known as Haute tension, received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the film's gripping atmosphere and effective scares, others criticized its extreme violence and controversial ending. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 41%, with the consensus stating 'Despite the absolutely illogical ending, High Tension is so well filmed and intense that it's impossible to ignore.' IMDb users rated it 6.7/10, praising the performances and suspenseful sequences. Metacritic scored it at 42/100, with critics acknowledging its visceral impact but faulting its narrative choices. Overall, High Tension divided audiences with its brutal depiction of horror and bold storytelling.