Calvaire

A very pleasant surprise, Calvaire is among the best in modern exploitation. Instead of relying on excessive brutality and bloodiness, it follows a more psychological path, i.e. it feels pretty believable and realistic, which doesn’t add to your comfort. The gang of yokels is portrayed in an exceptionally disgusting way, there are very few films that are more effective at this (Storm Warning). The only thing missing for a full score is a more likeable hero, someone easier to relate to and feel sorry for. Thanks a lot Belgium (France and Luxembourg) for this film, which would never have a chance of being made in the USA. (29.08.2008)

Yes, it was torment. I have an explanation for the passive main character: after being offered quality sex by the whistling gale at the beginning, he had a heart attack, and everything that followed was just purgatory (I assume his greatest sin was the musical repertoire). How else can you explain that the creators completely failed to maintain continuity with the scenes regarding the snow cover and the fantastical rural French setting? The dance to the depressing piano, in its bizarreness, reminded me of the legendary pogo to Pet Shop Boys in Bronson. (13.02.2024)

Calvaire is not a film that aims to stand out with explicit depictions of violence, but it succeeds in piling up scenes that are truly horrific, chilling, and terrifying. Once again, it shows that all it takes for a good horror is a person and their desire/need/urge to harm. That is enough. And when you add filmmaking skills to that, the result is something truly disturbing. This is a modern portrayal of the journey to Calvaire. Only without the cross, and leading the procession is not Jesus, but an ordinary person. Could it be a subtle dig at the very foundation of Christian faith? Is it based on the idea that we harm individuals and then try to justify it with the redemption of many? (02.01.2014)