6 Most Intense New French Extremity Horror Films

Content warning: Some discussion of heavy subject matter and potentially triggering topics.

Every country has a different history when it comes to the horror genre. As horror fans we are more primed, whether we're American or not, to always pay close attention to American horror films. Of course, some of the most iconic horror films in history are American. But other countries have so much to offer horror as a genre, especially France. New French Extremity in particular is a movement that continues to give us transgressive films that are often unforgettable.

For those who aren't familiar with New French Extremity, it's a movement of French films that are transgressive, extreme, and or brutal in some form or fashion. They aren't always horror films, but some of the most popular in the movement. In terms of the horror films that have come out of this movement, they are usually quite bloody, violent, and intense with social commentary (horror is very political, folks). What are some of the most intense horror films to come out of NFE? Read on to find out.

High Tension (2003)

It's absolutely problematic because of the twist, but High Tension makes the list regardless. High Tension students named Marie (Cécile de France) and Alexia (Maïwenn) whose visit to Alexia's family's home turns into a nightmare when a killer shows up. There are a lot of scary moments with the home invasion portion, and then it goes to bonkers town.

High Tension is very violent and explores various themes involving sexuality, gender norms, and repression. The intensity comes from the deaths and bloodshed that happens (using a credenza to kill somebody is truly something else). Without revealing too much about the twist and why it's problematic, there's still a conversation to be had about it and what the film fails to say. High Tension isn't perfect in its script, but it's perfectly violent, and that's what New French Extremity tends to be.

Inside (2007)

Exploring themes of the expectations surrounding motherhood isn't new in horror, but Inside takes it a whole other level. Inside focuses on Sarah (Alysson Paradis) a pregnant woman who is close to giving birth, who has to fight for her life when a woman breaks in and wants to take her baby. But little does Sarah realize is that the woman isn't just any stranger.

Inside accurately taps into the societal pressures as well as expectations placed upon mothers and motherhood. Instead of Sarah's grief over her husband being taken seriously, she's treated like she should be over the moon about the impending birth. The violence that's inflicted upon Sarah is intense, but so is what she inflicts upon La Femme (Béatrice Dalle). Inside is a bloody and brutal home invasion flick that isn't afraid to go there with its characters. And the ending will leave you gasping upon first watch.

Frontier(s) (2007)

The exploration of fascism isn't new for the horror genre, and Frontier(s) directly tackles the political climate France was in during the time of its release. Frontier(s) follows a gang who finds themselves fleeing Paris and end up staying in an inn that they don't realize is run by neo-Nazis. And the group is forced to fight for their survival against a family that relishes in violence and torture.

Considering the continued rise of neo-Nazism and the aim to eradicate rights and marginalized groups, Frontier(s) isn't out of date in its social commentary. There's no avoiding how gruesome the violence is, the hopelessness that the Nazi family instills in their victims, and the horrifying reality of what they've done to other people. It's a gritty, intense, and uncomfortable ride, but worth watching if you want that type of film experience.

Martyrs (2008)

Despair is a common feeling that's evoked from earlier examples of New French Extremity. Martyrs (2008) for example is even more topical now, as religious extremism is continually on the rise with the current USA administration. The film focuses on Lucie (Mylène Jampanoï) and Anna (Morjana Alaoui), two young women named who have been abused and traumatized and their quest for revenge. It's important to note that they're both women of color and have feelings for one another, which adds multiple layers to what happens to them.

As far as New French Extremity goes, Martyrs is one of the most widely discussed. People often regard it as one of the most depressing horror films they've ever seen, and they aren't wrong. Martyrs is profoundly effective and intense from beginning to end, it'll leave you with a feeling like you've been hollowed out. It's not one of those horror films that allows any catharsis for its audience, and that's what sets it apart.

Revenge (2017)

People love to praise The Substance, but Revenge is just as much of a powerhouse of a film from Coralie Fargeat. Revenge focuses on a young woman taking revenge on her boyfriend, his friend who raped her, and the friend who allowed it to happen. The film knocks it out of the park because of its themes surrounding rape culture, agency, and how women are viewed by predatory men.

Everything about the film is intense, from the colors, the events that take place, and the revenge that Jen (Matilda Lutz) gets. It's a memorable viewing experience that doesn't hold back and makes you root for Jen's survival. Instead of allowing her boyfriend to be viewed as sympathetic, he's just as bad as his friends and is quick to discard Jen as she's simply a mistress to him. Revenge is absolutely worth watching and is worthy of a round of applause.

Climax (2018)

A24 is best known for arthouse horror films, and Climax is one of them. Climax follows a dance troupe whose night of fun erupts into chaos when they realize their sangria was laced with acid. Everyone’s inner thoughts and desires, no matter how deep, start coming out, leading to shocking moments. The film is incredibly psychedelic in nature and dizzying to watch as soon as the characters start feeling the effects.

Climax taps into themes surrounding the crumbling of social dynamics, morality, and what it means to give into your base instincts. All of the intensity in the film comes from the characters' actions, motivations, and how the acid impacts everyone's behavior. It's not a smooth viewing experience and might be upsetting for some people. Therefore, it's one of those New French Extremity horror films to go into with just enough caution.

Find out where to watch each film by visiting JustWatch!