Trailers for this film were misleading. The shots would have viewers assume that High Tension is like a multi-zillion other slasher flicks. So I was left uninspired---that is until I actually rented the movie. What High Tension does is infuse the gritty spirit of foreign and independent cinema with modern horror. The story itself is fairly simple: two college age girls (Marie and Alex) are driving through the meandering French countryside to the home of Alex’s family. In the middle of the night, after the two have settled in, a heinous murderer knocks on the door –and begins the bloodbath. Unbeknownst to the killer, Marie ( the protagonist) is hiding upstairs in a spare bedroom and very nearly escapes death. The remainder of the movie is spent with Marie attempting to save the kidnapped Alex –all the while preserving her own life. What makes this film work is the barren setting, the haunting, yet infectious musical score—and the unapologetic, yet intelligent use of gore. The movie’s ending has created much controversy as to the director’s vision. But true aficionados of inventive cinema will truly appreciate this movie's twists and turns. High Tension is aptly named, as viewers will literally be kept on the edge of their seats.