Mads: A Terrifyingly Innovative Take on the Outbreak Narrative
We’ve all seen the cinematic depiction of an outbreak: the initial infection, the rapid spread, the ensuing chaos. But what if you experienced this nightmare unfolding in real-time, without the benefit of traditional editing tricks? That’s the audacious premise of Mads, a new French film from director David Moreau that delivers a visceral and unsettling cinematic experience. Forget jump scares and predictable plot points; Mads relies on a relentless, almost single-take approach to generate a level of tension rarely seen in the genre.
The film follows a group of friends on what starts as a seemingly ordinary night out. Romain, played by Milton Riche, is picking up drugs before a party when his night takes a decidedly sinister turn. The arrival of a blood-soaked, barely-communicative woman in his vintage car marks the beginning of a terrifying descent into the unknown. From this point forward, the camera becomes a character in its own right, relentlessly tracking the unfolding events, mirroring the characters’ disorientation and fear. The film’s innovative use of camera work is its most powerful weapon, effectively replacing traditional editing techniques with a raw, immersive, and frequently claustrophobic experience.
The "single-take" approach, while arguably employing subtle, imperceptible cuts, is a masterclass in filmmaking. The unbroken flow of the narrative creates a powerful sense of immediacy and inescapable dread. The camera follows the characters as they navigate increasingly perilous situations—from a seemingly innocuous apartment building to the chaotic streets of the city and finally to a towering building, all in a breathless, uninterrupted sequence. This stylistic choice enhances the film’s realism, amplifying the characters’ fear and confusion, and drawing the audience directly into the heart of the unfolding chaos.
Mads deviates from typical zombie narratives by intentionally remaining vague about the nature of the infection. The film avoids explicitly labeling the affliction as viral, zombie, or any other precise classification. Instead, it presents a creature that exhibits characteristics of various cinematic tropes: aggressive behavior, rapid infection spread, and horrific transformations. This ambiguity, however, is not a weakness; it instead enhances the suspense. The uncertainty about the exact nature of the threat adds a layer of psychological horror, increasing the characters’ (and the audience’s) sense of vulnerability.
"Would these characters know what was happening on night one? Of course not." This statement perfectly captures the film’s realism. The characters’ reactions—their confusion, fear, and desperate attempts to understand the situation—feel genuine and relatable. Unlike many zombie films that showcase immediate recognition and established battle strategies, the characters in Mads respond with the same disorientation and panic any person would face when confronted with such a surreal and terrifying occurrence. This raw, unfiltered response enhances the impact of the unfolding chaos and adds to the movie’s brutal honesty. The film cleverly uses moments of bewilderment and panicked reactions, which would typically be cut for pacing considerations, thereby adding to the film’s raw immersion.
The film’s pacing contributes significantly to its effectiveness. The relentless, unbroken narrative refuses the audience any moments of respite. There are no convenient cutaways to explain the situation or offer emotional release. This constant pressure builds suspense and anxiety, leaving the viewer as breathless and disoriented as the characters themselves. The film’s refusal to succumb to standard genre tropes, often shown through editing tricks, reinforces the film’s raw, unflinching portrayal of terror.
While the narrative is propelled by the visual and stylistic choices, the performances are equally as crucial to the overall impact of the film. Laurie Pavy, playing Romain’s girlfriend, stands out with a powerful and nuanced portrayal. Her character serves as a compelling central figure, undergoing a significant transformation throughout the film. Pavy’s performance is exceptional, masterfully conveying a wide range of emotions, from initial fear and confusion to a later, more hardened resolve and a visceral demonstration of survival. Her presence elevates the film, and it’s markedly less compelling when her character is absent, even for brief periods leaving the audience almost anticipating her return.
The other actors offer equally strong performances, although Pavy’s role as a connecting strand between the film’s beginning and end gives her a slightly more impactful storyline. But all the ensemble cast effectively portrays the panic, fear, and desperation of individuals thrust into an unimaginable nightmarish situation. Through their performance, the actors ground the wildly inventive aspects of the filmmaking in a tangible reality, making the film all the more engaging.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that Mads prioritizes style over substance. The narrative is deliberately lean and, to some, may lack the depth and complexity of more traditional horror films. The focus is clearly on the cinematic experience itself: the harrowing realism of the near-single-take cinematography, the unrelenting suspense created through pacing, and the visceral impact of the actors’ raw performances.
In conclusion, Mads is a bold and innovative horror film that successfully uses its unique cinematic style to create an unrelenting experience. The film might be lacking in traditional narrative complexity, but it more than compensates with its intense immediacy and groundbreaking visual execution. For those who appreciate artful filmmaking and visceral horror experiences, Mads is a must-see. The film’s innovative storytelling, the actors’ powerful performance, and the daring cinematic approach combine to create a film that is both terrifying and unforgettable. The film’s recent showing at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, and its upcoming release on Shudder on October 18, promises to place it amongst the most talked-about horror films of the year. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a testament to the power of immersive, expertly crafted filmmaking.
