The Crucial New French Extremity Films

      EJ Moreno examines seven iconic extreme French films…

      In the 2000s, American horror enthusiasts witnessed a surge in extreme violence within the genre. With films like Hostel and Saw, it became clear that the horror landscape was far removed from the cheesy fun of slashers from previous decades.

      But where did this wave originate? Many film aficionados trace the roots back to the French horror movement that emerged in the late 90s and became a dominant force as we approached the new millennium. Here, we focus on films that embody or inspired the New French Extremity, a term introduced by critic James Qudant in Art Forum in 2004, as the genre evolved.

      While French cinema has long been recognized for challenging norms—such as the New Wave cinema of the 60s—a particularly daring array of films began to emerge from French horror directors. We will explore seven of the most impactful and audacious entries, offering viewers a thrilling collection of scares.

      **Inside**

      Directing team Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo burst onto the scene with a powerful debut. At first glance, Inside seems to fit the more traditional mold here; it centers on a home invasion and a woman’s struggle for survival. However, the film's intricate layers and the unfolding horror combine to create an unforgettable experience.

      While many extreme French films test the limits of propriety, Inside pushes the envelope further by involving an unborn child. Not only are we witnessing a woman confronting a dangerously determined and disturbed killer, but she is also a soon-to-be mother who understands that she must survive the night to protect everyone. Like any noteworthy New French Extremity film, Inside immerses the viewer in discomfort and compels them to see it through to the end.

      A common theme in this genre acknowledges the women who navigate these graphic narratives, and a special mention goes to lead actress Alysson Paradis, who brings remarkable authenticity to her role.

      **Baise-Moi**

      The 2000s can be seen as the zenith of New French Extremity; though there are notable films before and after this era, the new millennium truly heralded a striking phase in filmmaking. Take the 2000 film Baise-Moi as an example, which certainly makes the grindhouse films of the 70s pale in comparison.

      Baise-Moi follows two women seeking vengeance against men in a more twisted rendition of Thelma and Louise. It is straightforward, unapologetic, and graphically explicit—exactly what one might expect from rape and revenge narratives. Many regard the film as immoral, yet that seems to be part of its commentary on vengeance stemming from abhorrent acts. To quote Hemingway, as referenced by Ebert in his review: “it is moral if you feel good after it, and immoral if you feel bad after it.” This is undoubtedly a quintessential “feel bad” movie.

      The film is further enhanced by the performances of Raffaela Anderson and Karen Bach, who elevate the material.

      **High Tension**

      Alexandre Aja’s masterpiece made a significant impact in the industry and the genre. One of the most notable films on this list, High Tension (also known as Switchblade Romance), defined the era and contributed to bringing New French Extremity into the mainstream. Without this film and the emergence of extreme Asian cinema, the American “torture porn era” might not have materialized.

      Additionally, writer Dean Koontz described the film as “intellectually bankrupt,” but the violence depicted here undeniably challenges its audience. With one offensive kill after another, the film culminates in an outrageously bizarre plot twist. While the backlash is understandable, it’s unfair to label the film as lacking intelligence. High Tension takes everything you believed you knew and enriches it, making horror feel threatening again.

      To this day, filmmaker Alexandre Aja continues to thrive. Among all the directors featured here, Aja’s extreme style has found its niche.

      **Trouble Every Day**

      Claire Denis is often celebrated as one of the finest filmmakers of our time, yet it's surprising that her 2001 film Trouble Every Day is frequently regarded as a low point in her career. In one of her most intriguing films exploring bodies and femininity, Denis’ erotic horror work deserves a fresh evaluation.

      Trouble Every Day hits hard and doesn’t relent until the credits roll. It is raw and unfiltered, which is typical of Claire Denis, but it also juxtaposes graphic horror with intimate moments. Much like Denis, the film doesn't seek validation, yet it certainly deserves it. Even at its most grotesque, it evokes a feeling that many other films lack—love. Violence has never seemed so infused with passion.

      It is regrettable that Denis hasn't ventured back into horror, especially given her impactful contributions to the genre at a time when all French horror was vying for attention.

      **Them**

      For those who enjoyed The Strangers or the rise of