Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘High Tension’

Written by Scott Edwards

Everybody remembers their first time for the important things in their lives. The first time driving a car, the first time falling in love, the first time getting a job and of course, the first time they were blown away by a horror movie. Now when I first watched High Tension, I was not a huge horror buff and was just starting to get my feet wet in the genre. One of my friends that I worked with suggested it, as it was a movie that she really liked, so I gave it a try. I must admit that I was speechless when the credits started to roll, because it was something that I had not seen before, and coming back to it over ten years later, it still leaves me in awe. 
​
Waking up in the backseat of her friend’s car, Marie is shocked to see that she has been taken so far into the country. Getting away from school for the weekend to study somewhere other than the dorm, Marie is looking forward to spending time with Alexia as well. Meeting her best friend’s family, Marie is blown away by how secluded the house really is and pokes fun at her friend for why she is doing so well in class. Since they arrived a little late, the girls head up to their rooms, but little do they know that there is someone keeping an eye on the house and looking to make their lives a living hell.

Hearing a loud knocking at the door, Marie gets up and looks out the window to see a dark man taking a shot at her friend’s father. Hearing the commotion downstairs, Marie tries to find a way to get out of the house before she is discovered, but the cries from the rest of the house are driving her mad. Finding a closet to stay hidden in, Marie witnesses Alexia’s mother being killed right in front of her very eyes.  Hearing Alexia crying from her room, Marie finds her bound and gagged while the killer walks out front to make short work of the little brother. Not wanting to give any indication that there is anyone else in the house, Marie leaves her friend tied up while she tries to come up with a plan.

As the main killing has stopped in the house, the killer collects his prize in Alexia and tosses her in the back of his truck. Not wanting to lose her friend, Marie sneaks in the back with her and heads off to who knows where. When the truck stops to get some gas, Marie is able to sneak out and tries to get the attention of the gas station attendant to get her some help, but before he is able to pick up the phone, his old friend comes into the building and strikes up a conversation of his own. Needing to keep out of sight, Marie once again sees the killer take another life, but this time he is looking for her. Keeping hidden in the station, Marie is able to wait the killer out, but when he heads off again, she must find a way to stay with him, as her best friend’s life is waiting in limbo and she has no idea what will become of her. 

I will admit, I am a huge fan of this movie and it tops my list of movies for the novice horror fan to watch, because it is not too much of one thing. There is some blood and yes, some really graphic killings that will shock anyone, but it is more than that, because the story plays well throughout and I never detect any plot holes. That is one of the things that is essential for a good movie, the storyline must be sound and if you are watching a horror movie, it is that much more important. The performances are great in this movie, especially the part of Marie, because she is forced to carry the movie without knowing who or what she really is. I really liked the plot twist that was used in this movie, because when it came out, it was not fashionable like twists have been in the last five years’ worth of horror movies. With blood, insane kills, a wandering mind, a killer who likes them pretty and a stick with barbed wire on it, High Tension is a great movie for someone that wants to try to get into the horror genre, or even a veteran that is looking for a movie that still stands tall, even today. Stay Scared.

---