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High Tension

Play trailer Poster for High Tension R 2005 1h 29m Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
41% Tomatometer 129 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
A beautiful young Frenchwoman, Alex (Maïwenn Le Besco), travels out to the country to visit her family and brings along her friend Marie (Cécile de France). Soon after they get settled in the secluded home, Alex's parents are brutally attacked by a psychotic truck driver (Philippe Nahon), who proceeds to stalk the two women as well. When the killer kidnaps Alex in his truck, Marie hides in the back to try and rescue her, but the bloodshed is far from over.
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High Tension

High Tension

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Critics Consensus

There is indeed a good amount of tension in this French slasher, but the dubbing is bad and the end twist unbelievable.

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Critics Reviews

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Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com Dec 13, 2005
1/4
Not only is it an assault on the senses, the film is so narcissistically nihilistic the only ones sure to get a kick out of it are members of the Manson Family fan club. Go to Full Review Nell Minow Movie Mom Jun 14, 2005
C
The ultimate rescue, however, comes when the credits roll and the lights come up. Go to Full Review Richard Roeper Ebert & Roeper Jun 13, 2005
An extremely well-made, very grisly and ultimately dishonest slasher film that's too clever for its own good. Go to Full Review Brian Bisesi Horror Movie Club Podcast Aug 14, 2024
2/5
For most viewers, the success of High Tension will hinge upon the third act’s bold reveal. For me, the frustration of that reveal nearly erases any of the movie’s shallow merits. Go to Full Review Paul Lê Bloody Disgusting Jul 21, 2023
4/5
It completely unsettles the viewer like anything else to come out of the New French Extremity. The only difference is High Tension achieves its goal in the most unexpected way. Go to Full Review Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News Nov 19, 2019
B
A very effective French horror film that takes a simplistic premise and milks it for every ounce of suspense possible. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jayn S @horroflim_freaK Oct 19, 2026 The best scary movie I’ve ever seen. It’s always been one of my favorite. The end is just crazy. See more B P @Bradster69 Sep 3, 2026 Not Bad, but Not My Favorite See more Steven F. @SteveGotScored Mar 18, 2026 A vicious horror movie I’ll never forget! See more Robson C @RT82519826 Oct 11, 2025 Alexia e Marie decidem passar o final de semana na casa dos pais de Alexia, que moram no interior da França. Porém, um estranho homem surge e ataca a todos, levando Alexia e Marie entrarem numa luta pela sobrevivência. Mais um representa do movimento New French Extermity. Assim, a violência e o sangue correm solto. Outro ponto é que são filmes diretos e não enrolam. A tensão está sempre presente. Porém, a solução que dão no final do filme, além de ser completamente sem sentido, estraga tudo o que foi construído. See more Todd F @Tiddlows Jul 21, 2025 Disturbing, demented, gory and one of the best horror films I've seen in a while... See more Jason H @RT50328122 Jul 19, 2025 For the first hour or so, this is a hardcore treat for horror fans. Sadly, it's all flushed down the toilet with a twist that is unnecessary, offensive, and illogical. See more Read all reviews
High Tension

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Cast & Crew

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Alexandre Aja

Director

Cécile de France

Marie

Maïwenn

Alex

Philippe Nahon

Le tueur

Franck Khalfoun

Jimmy

Andrei Finti

Le père d'Alex

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High Tension

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Movie Info

Synopsis A beautiful young Frenchwoman, Alex (Maïwenn Le Besco), travels out to the country to visit her family and brings along her friend Marie (Cécile de France). Soon after they get settled in the secluded home, Alex's parents are brutally attacked by a psychotic truck driver (Philippe Nahon), who proceeds to stalk the two women as well. When the killer kidnaps Alex in his truck, Marie hides in the back to try and rescue her, but the bloodshed is far from over.
Director
Alexandre Aja
Producer
Robert Benmussa, Alexandre Arcady, Luc Besson
Screenwriter
Grégory Levasseur, Alexandre Aja
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Production Co
EuropaCorp, Alexandre Films
Rating
R (Language|Graphic Bloody Killings|Sexual Content|Terror)
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
French (France)
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 10, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 22, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$3.6M
Runtime
1h 29m
Sound Mix
Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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