Martyrs is a 2015 American horror film directed by The Goetz Brothers (Scenic Route) from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith (Séance; Vacancy and its sequel; The Revenant) for The Safran Company.
The film is a remake of the 2008 French film of the same name directed by Pascal Laugier (0ne of our recommended must-see horror movies).
The movie stars Bailey Noble, Troian Bellisario, Kate Burton, Blake Robbins and Caitlin Carmichael.
Ten-year-old Lucie flees from the isolated warehouse where she has been held prisoner. Deeply traumatized, she is plagued by awful night terrors at the orphanage that takes her in. Her only comfort comes from Anna, a girl her own age.
Nearly a decade later and still haunted by demons, Lucie finally tracks down the family that tortured her. As she and Anna move closer to the agonizing truth, they find themselves trapped in a nightmare – if they cannot escape, a martyr’s fate awaits them…
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Reviews:
“Mostly though, aside from creating a much tamer version, the 2015 Martyrs headed by the Goetz brothers feels too similar to the first film, bordering on a shot-for-shot remake that doesn’t really bring anything new or worthwhile to the table in order to justify its existence. Overall, this is a decent film, but it’s not much more than that.” Kalyn Corrigan, Bloody Disgusting
“Yes, hardcore fans of the original will find this to be watered down – given the demands of an American R-rating, it couldn’t not be. But taken as its own thing, it’s effective, tautly directed heroine-in-peril horror.” Luke Y. Thompson, The Robot’s Voice
“Casual horror fans whose tastes cannot stomach the first film’s extremeness may find this version easier to digest given its lessened emphasis on torture and increased mainstream marketability. Even hardcore devotees of Laugier’s film will find the Goetz Brothers’ intent laudable, and their changes at least warrant curiosity.” Culture Crypt
“In effect, the audience most likely to be receptive to this Martyrs is people who’ve not seen the original … who will at least get the bare bones of Laugier’s inventive story and some effective shocks.” The Kim Newman Website
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