Billed as France’s answer to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Frontier(s) is one of the shining beacons of the New Wave of French Extremity. The first feature film from Xavier Gens, now better known for his work on hit show Gangs of London, announced him as a bold new voice in the landscape of depraved cinema.
Set during mounting civil unrest in Paris, Frontier(s) follows a group of low level criminals as they try to take advantage of the chaos. In the process, one of their number is injured and the gang are forced to split up and flee the city. Seeking sanctuary, the group chance upon a remote countryside guesthouse. Whilst their hosts, the Von Geislers, initially seem eager to please, it isn’t long until they reveal their darker side. Ruled by a violent and oppressive father, the family are proud neo-Nazis. They dream of creating their own Aryan lineage and see gang member Yasmine (Karina Testa) as the key. Cue blood, mayhem, and carnage as Yasmine and her dwindling number of friends try to last the night.
The comparisons to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre are evident, but Frontier(s) veers into new gory directions. Despite its Video Nasty reputation, Hooper’s iconic horror is light on the blood and guts. Hooper relies on the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps. In contrast, Gens pushes the boundaries, creating a bloody tapestry of claret soaked delights. The plot itself is rather sparse, but Testa does a great job at building a connection with the viewer. Watching Yasmine’s ordeal is ghastly, but as she finds her inner strength, she proves herself a fine candidate for the part of final girl.
As with all Second Sight releases, the special features are exactly as the name suggests – special. Amongst the raft of extras this time comes a fantastically in-depth audio commentary by Our Bloody Obsession podcast hosts Zoë Rose Smith and Kelly Gredner. The pair are renowned for their appetite for extreme cinema, and Second Sight have wisely chosen to let this pair point out all the depravity and more hidden within Gens’ debut. Other features include brand new interviews with both Gens and Testa. In Second Sight tradition, no stone has been left unturned, and whether you’re a hardcore fan or fledgling newcomer, this edition of Frontier(s) has plenty to sate your thirst for the macabre.
Frontier(s)
Summary
Dip your toes into the beginnings of the new wave of French extremity with one of its brightest stars.
Frontiers is out now via Second Sight.
