Movies
TIFF ’08: ‘Martyrs’ Gets Rare 18A Rating in France
After the premiere of his French horror film, Martyrs (review), Director Pascal Laugier took the stage in front of nearly 1,400 screaming fans, who gave the film a standing ovation. During the Q+A session, which took a very interesting turn (more on that soon), Laugier told the audience that the film received an “18A” rating in France – the equivalent to an X-rating here in the States. What’s even more shocking is that MARTYRS is the first film to receive the rating without containing a single scene of sex. From what we’re told, this is as close to being banned as you can get. Thank God the film has been sold in nearly 40 countries, including here in the States, where Dimension Films will release it on DVD next year. Click the title above for a review, poster, stills and more. Also check out our TIFF news page for everything covered in the past week.
A crime scene leads to horror in The Cycle, the latest from director Jordan Downey ( The Head Hunter, V/H/S/Beyond), and our exclusive first look introduces lead Deborah Ann Woll (“Daredevil: Born Again“, Escape Room) as she investigates the darkly personal case.
The Cycle will debut exclusively on Shudder on October 23, 2026.
The logline reads, “When the body of a man missing for thirty-six years is discovered at the scene of a horrific crime, it’s up to his estranged daughter to unravel his dark past.“
Also starring in The Cycle is Jeffrey Donovan (“Burn Notice“, Villains).
Jordan Downey wrote the screenplay with Kevin Stewart (The Head Hunter).
“We are so excited about The Cycle; Jordan has crafted such an original story that is gonna excite audiences. For us he has the ability to be the next great genre filmmaker and we can’t wait to make the movie,” said James Harris of production company Tea Shop (Obsession, 47 Meters Down). Peter Heller also produces.
Deborah Ann Woll rose to fame as the feisty vampire Jessica Hamby in HBO’s “True Blood” before becoming a fan favorite as Karen Page in Marvel’s “Daredevil” series. While horror fans recognize her from Escape Room and its sequel, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, the versatile actress has captured gamers’ attention as Laufey, Kratos’ wife in God of War: Ragnarök. She’ll receive her solo spinoff game in the upcoming God of War: Laufey.
As for Jordan Downey, The Cycle will mark his long-awaited feature follow-up to the underseen gem, The Head Hunter, but the rising filmmaker also has sci-fi thriller Override on the way.
Stay tuned for more.