Sometimes you need a horror movie to grab you by the arm and pull you along for the ride. MadS is a French import that does just that. Romain (Milton Riche) has his dad’s Mustang convertible, a bag of drugs, and is ready to celebrate his birthday. When a heavily bandaged woman approaches his car, it is the start of a wild night of debauchery, blood, and loud music.
Filled with strange sounds and a pounding soundtrack, MadS is an auditory attack. This is made more frenzied by the range. From lower guttural voices to higher pitched maniacal laughter, the film never lets up. This can be overwhelming at times – but it also adds to chaos of everything that is happening.
Sound plays a huge part, but it is the one take nature of the film that will stand out to most audiences. Seamlessly is not a word that is often used to describe mayhem, but it works here. MadS shifts smoothly from one character to another as events unfold. This paints a picture of the wider scale of the destruction.
It is the decision to focus on multiple characters that really separates MadS from similar films. While they are all in the same circle of friends, things unfold separately. Yes, they care and worry for each other, but this is a story about individual survival. It also reinforces the sheer pandemonium.
MadS is one of the most uncomfortable viewing experiences of the year. Not because it does anything wrong, but because it does so much right. The erratic use of sound, the excellent direction, and the general confusion will draw audiences in while pushing against them.
MadS premieres on Shudder October 18.
