Dir. Gaspar Noe | Now Streaming On: Hulu | Rating: 4/5

Sometimes I finish a horror movie and just say “Well, that was something.” I had no idea how I was going to review this film because it truly embodies everything you think an acid trip might entail. Gaspar Noe is a buzzy name, especially after Irreversible (2002) broke the sound barrier of the New French Extremity subgenre. I’ve avoided him for the same reason. Climax was a creative fever dream, and I have to say, I didn’t hate this. 

I will say this is a film you have to pay attention to. You can’t stick this on in the background and expect to catch the intricacies of this ensemble style horror. Climax film relies heavily on its visuals, not its script to deliver the horror. Visually, it commits to its experimental and bizarre style. Notably, are the long sweeping rotating camera shots (the longest shot in this film is 42 minutes long) and color blocking the set and costuming with only 3 three primary colors. 

Most of this film was improvised, with only a rough outline of the film existing by the time Noe starting filming, For me, this makes this whole thing even more impressive. As this dance group descends into their acid laced madness, we’re forced to watch. This film is visually horrifying to look at and listen to. With the crux of the visuals being dance numbers, the krumping and contortionist dance style quickly begins to feel otherworldly, sinister, and demonic. At one point, there is just a mass of bodies, screaming, and gnashing teeth. 

This movie had me wanting more from its storytelling. I wanted there to be symbolism or an explanation, and though we may be able to string something together here on gender, toxic masculinity, or race I think we’d be reaching. I was so torn on what to ultimately rate this, I was considering as low as a two and as high as my current rating of a four. Though Climax doesn’t have a lot to bite into in terms of elevated messaging, its creativity and uniqueness blew me away. This unnerved me on the same plane as Skinamarink, I have no idea what’s going on here, but I’m terrified of it. 

Visually impressive, unnerving, and artsy enough to keep its A24 street cred – I’d say give this a spin (magic mushrooms optional). 

Know Before You Watch: Features extended scenes of flashing lights, drug use, sexual assault, blood, death, self harm, nudity, sex.